New Delhi, The Congress, which has finalized 40 of its candidates for the next Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh says it may scale down the number of its nominees if an alliance with the SP is struck in Uttar Pradesh.

The party that is currently negotiating an electoral understanding with the SP in UP is prepared to adopt a flexible approach by not dictating terms to its new found ally.

"Our approach is flexible. We will not stake claim for seats in which our candidates are weak. Our main objective is to keep communal and castes forces at bay and will do whatever is needed in this regard," said the President of UP Congress Rita Bahuguna Joshi.

The state Congress has selected 40 candidates of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, and is now prepared to reconsider the names after reaching an understanding with SP. The move is aimed at ensuring an increase in its tally from the last time, which only could be achieved if a proper understanding is built up between the two forces

"A final decision on alliance is to be taken by AICC. As far as UPCC is concerned we do not have a mental block and we are open for discussion on seats, which would be decided on a basis of formula considering winnability and constituency," Joshi said.

The top leaders from Congress and the SP are likely to resume their talks on seat-sharing arrangement in the state shortly. The Congress President Sonia Gandhi has entrusted party general secretary Digvijay Singh, Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Salman Khursheed with the responsibility of holding negotiations with the SP. According to a senior Congress leader final decision the seat arrangement with SP in UP would be taken by the party President and Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi.

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