In a surprising statement days ahead of the May 23rd counting, senior Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azhad has on Thursday said that his party will be ready to forgo the post of Prime Minister if the need be.

"If other parties want us to take the lead, we will definitely offer leadership. Otherwise, we won't make it an issue. Our only aim is to prevent the BJP-led NDA from forming the government," Azad said.

To be sure, Congress is most likely to win the highest number of seats after BJP. For it to give up PM's post to form the government with some non-UPA parties will be a big political step. It seems the party is hoping that SP, BSP, TMC, and BJD will do very well. Rahul might approach YSRCP for support. If TRS is in, they may cross the 272 mark.