New Delhi:
Congress on Wednesday began discussions on government formation with its pre-poll alliance partners at a meeting of the UPA.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi deliberated the nitty-gritty of government formation with its pre-poll allies like the DMK, Trinamool
Congress, NCP and National Conference.
DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee, Muslim League leader E Ahamed, JMM leader Shibu Soren and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present for the meeting.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Rahul Gandhi, A K Antony also took part in the discussions.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to call on President Pratibh Patil later on Wednesday to stake claim to form the next government.