President invites Manmohan to form govt on May 22

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil is convinced that the United Progressive Alliance has the majoirity in the 15th Lok Sabha and has invited Manmohan Singh to form the next government on 22 May.

A press release from Rasthrapati Bhavan said: “Having been chosen as the Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), Manmohan Singh, accompanied by Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the CPP and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), called on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Staking claim to form the government, they also handed over to the President letters of support extended to them by various political parties and others.”

On the basis of the various letters of support received, the President was convinced “that the Congress-led UPA alliance, which is also the largest pre-election alliance, is in a position to command majority support of the newly constituted 15th Lok Sabha and to form a stable government, appointed Manmohan Singh as the prime minister and requested him to indicate the members of the new Council of Ministers.

No time has been indicated for the oath-taking ceremony but it is likely to be held in the evening. All portfolios are also likely to be announced on May 22 itself.