The meeting assumed urgency as the prime minister is scheduled to leave for Singapore on Tuesday morning on a two-day visit.

Although the meeting of Congress leaders at Sonia’s residence was to discuss the party’s strategy for the Gujarat assembly elections, it is believed to have taken stock of the political developments in Karnataka.
Prominent among those who attended the meeting was AICC general secretary incharge of Karnataka affairs Pritviraj Chavan. A couple of senior leaders from Karnataka were also present.

Reliable sources said following the meeting at the party chief’s residence that there was little possibility of the Congress considering an alliance with the JD(S) for another shot at power under the present assembly. “It is almost a closed chapter,” as regards attempts at government formation with the JD(S), the sources said.

However, earlier in the day, the Congress remained non-committal about its approach. Party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi, when asked if the party would be interested in exploring government formation, merely said: "all these things are hypothetical. We reserve the right to deal with situations as they arise.”

Also, AICC general secretary and senior leader from the state Margaret Alva, maintained that the party would take a firm view on the developments only in a day or two. In the past, Alva has been among the Congress leaders from the state who maintained close contacts with Gowda over Karnataka political developments.

H D Deve Gowda’s arrival in the capital from Bangalore late in the afternoon triggered instant speculations here that he might get in touch with the central leaders of the Congress to explore renewal of ties. However, Gowda himself spiked these, at least for the day. 

When contacted, Gowda said: “I am taking stock of the situation. I have just learnt about Yeddyurappa’s resignation after landing here. I am watching the reaction of other parties. We will discuss the situation tomorrow.”