Responding to visible restlessness of its new found ally, the Congress had its first coordination committee meeting with the Samajwadi Party on Saturday at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

The SP, while declining an offer to join the Government, made it clear that Uttar Pradesh — where it is pitted against the rising tide of the BSP led by Mayawati — and the forthcoming elections remained its priority. It said it would continue to support the UPA Government from outside.

“The UPA chairperson and Prime Minister requested the Samajwadi Party to join the Union Government. But the Samajwadi Party politely refused the offer because of its deep and serious engagement in strengthening the party in Uttar Pradesh,” read a joint statement after the meeting.

“This was our first coordination committee meeting, which happened in a cordial atmosphere. After today’s meeting, we are determined to fight together against the communal forces in more effective manner,” said SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav emerging out of the meeting.

The Saturday’s meeting is likely to be followed by another meeting of the Congress-SP coordination committee on Monday to start formal discussions on the seat sharing arrangement between them for elections ahead.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday appointed former state minister Nabamtuki as the president of the Arunachal Pradesh PCC.