The Congress party on Wednesday began discussions on government formation with its pre-poll alliance partners at a meeting of the United Progressive Alliance [Images] in New Delhi [Images].

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] and Congress President Sonia Gandhi [Images] deliberated the nitty-gritty of government formation with its pre-poll allies like the DMK, Trinamool Congress [Images], NCP and National Conference.

DMK supremo M Karunanidhi [Images], NCP chief Sharad Pawar [Images], National Conference President Farooq Abdullah [Images], Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee, Muslim League leader E Ahamed, JMM leader Shibu Soren [Images] and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi [Images] were among the leaders present for the meeting.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee [Images], Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Rahul Gandhi [Images], A K Antony also took part in the discussions.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to call on President Pratibh Patil later in the day to stake claim to form the next government.