The hour-long meeting held at Sonia's 10-Janpath residence clinched without customary announcements. The Congress described the meeting as of ``preliminary nature'' while the Haryana Vikas Party (HVP) spokesman claimed the ``outcome was very positive''.

Congress and HVP are expected to formalise and redefine their relationship entered into following withdrawal of support by BJP to the Bansi Lal government two weeks ago. The Congress came to the rescue of Bansi Lal by supporting the government in the trial of strength on the floor of the Vidhan Sabha.

Congress leaders from the state, who have opposed to the party's continuing alliance with the HVP, were a bit subdued. A senior leader in race for the chief ministership (in case Bansi Lal resigns) claimed``Bansi Lal had (in today's meeting) reiterated his commitment to accept Sonia's decision on future relationship with the HVP.''

Sources close to the chief minister told The Indian Express that Bansi Lal was assertive with Sonia on why he should continue as chief minister. He claims to be riding crest of popularity following his dream project with populistic connotations -- the round-the clock power supply to almost all the Haryana villages. The HVP feels the project will lead to tremendous popularity of the chief minister in the coming days.

However, Sonia still appears to be in a reflective mood as she continued her discussions on the possibilities in Haryana with important Congress leaders today.