High on the results of the exit polls of the second phase of elections, the Congress today expressed confidence that its secular coalition would be able to form the government at the Centre ‘‘without outside help’’, but with the possible exception of the Left.Party leaders also went into a huddle to discuss how to maintain the trend in the crucial third phase of polling. With Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of UP going to polls in the third phase, the party has a lot at stake in the May 5 polls.The Congress’ statement today that it would not be looking at any other party for support comes in the backdrop of speculation, which had been gaining ground ahead of the second phase, that parties outside both the NDA and the Congress-led alliance were working towards the formation of a third front.Congress spokesperson Jaipal Reddy said, ‘‘We believe firmly that Congress and its allies will get a clear majority at the hustings. We feel we will not need more allies after the elections.’’ Referring to the SP and the BSP, Reddy also stressed the party would not be looking at a tie-up with the main players in UP.‘‘We don’t think we will need the assistance of either the SP or BSP to form the government after polls,’’ he added.On the possibility of NCP leader Sharad Pawar switching sides, the Congress said: ‘‘In our view, the NCP is a stable ally’’.
