Manmohan Singh to meet President, stake claim today

NEW DELHI: The final Cabinet meet that was on at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh���s 7, Racecourse Road residence ended just a short while ago.

During the meet, the council of ministers tendered their resignation to the Prime Minister. The Union Cabinet recommended dissolution of the 14 th Lok Sabha, which was passed successfully.

Resolution of appreciation for the Prime Minister was also passed at the final Cabinet meet. Armed with a decisive mandate, the Congress-led UPA government will later on Monday stake claim to form government.

Manmohan Singh will meet President Pratabha Patil to submit the Cabinet���s resignations and show they have the numbers, facilitating the formation of a new government at the Centre.

The UPA has fallen short by around 10 MPs to get to the magic figure of 272, but managed to attract smaller parties and the support of some independents to shore up its numbers.

Meanwhile, with attention swiftly turning to government formation, speculation has begun on who will hold key positions in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh���s next cabinet. The Congress is already getting ready to address claims of allies like DMK, NCP and the newly added Trinamool Congress.