Signs of a thaw emerged with NCP leader Praful Patel disputing reports that his party had served an ultimatum to the Congress. He also called up Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan for the first time since the crisis began last Thursday.
Sources said Prime Minister is expected to meet Pawar and Patel shortly to address the issues raised by NCP, including the need for a Coordination Committee for the UPA. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is also expected to part of the meeting.
The swearing-in ceremony of Pranab Mukherjee as the new President saw Congress sending clear signal that Defence Minister A K Antony was the 'No 2' in the government as he was seated next to the Prime Minister followed by Pawar.
Congress sources said that Patel suggested to Chavan that the standoff was not targeted at him and was for a resolution of certain grievances at the Centre.
Asked about the possibility of forming a Coordination Committee for better functioning of the government, Singh said "we are ready to discuss with NCP on issues. In politics, there is give and take." (More)
