SP leaders meet Sonia

The Samajwadi supremo, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, met the Congress chief Ms Sonia Gandhi, in a bid to break the deadlock over seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh in the General elections, even as the former chief minister said he was confident of striking a deal with the UPA’s lead party “very soon”.
There was no word from either parties on the outcome of the meeting at Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence amid indications they were still unable to resolve their differences.
Mr Yadav and his party colleague Amar Singh did not speak to waiting newsmen while SP sources said more talks are likely in the coming days to hammer out a consensus.
But shortly before the crucial meeting, Mr Yadav told reporters, “We are willing to give 15 seats to Congress though they should be getting 12 seats)...we will be glad if an alliance would be formed.” To a question on Congress’ demand for 25 seats, Mr Yadav said “let the talks conclude.”
Samajwadi Party has already declared 59 candidates in the politically crucial UP where 80 Lok Sabha seats are at stake.
SP sources said while the party was willing to give 17 seats to Congress, the grand old party was not ready to settle for less than 25 seats.
Sources said due to the diverse positions, no understanding could be apparently reached tonight and more talks were likely.
However, before the meeting Mr Yadav had said that he would arrive at a settlement “very soon”.