New Delhi: As the new Manmohan Singh cabinet begins to take shape, the Congress says that they do not need any more allies - this comes at a point when the BSP became the latest party to promise outside support.
With more than 200 seats in the bag it is a problem of plenty for the Congress and now, party sources say that both Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav may both be ready to give outside support to the UPA.
In fact, Congress sources say Mayawati's close aide, S C Mishra met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the weekend but the party is clear that the BSP will not be part of the government and it is up to the BSP to decide on outside support.
And a much mellowed Mulayam Singh Yadav has now said his Samajwadi Party is ready to sit in the opposition and extend issue based support to the UPA government. Congress sources are clear that they are not keen on having the SP in the government.
And Lalu Yadav's return to the Cabinet is also unlikely; Congress leaders say pre-poll allies will get priority. An upset Lalu is said to have told Monday's cabinet meeting that he was being insulted and he could return only if Sonia Gandhi intervenes.