Congress, BJP discuss strategies to shore up their numbers

New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): As the countdown begins for the 16th May results, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday discussed strategies to shore up their numbers for government formation.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi held a meeting at her residence to discuss the party's strategy for possible post-poll alliances.

Congress Spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan expressed confidence that her party would lead the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government post- 16th May.

When asked whether the Congress would do any business with the Left, Natarajan said the decision will be taken by the party and the leadership.

The BJP also held its strategy session in the morning at the residence of its prime ministerial candidate, Lal Krishna Advani, to discuss post poll alliances.

BJP President Rajnath Singh and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi were present at the meeting.

BJP Spokesperson Prakash Javadekar discounted the Left supporting a Congress-led government, saying he did not see a major role for the Left.

"Left is saying no BJP, no Congress. Let them pursue the line," Javadekar said.

Javadekar also referred to political pitfalls in stitching up alliances.

"If the Congress takes Left's support, it's ally in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress, may snap ties," he added. (ANI)