Manmohan Singh, who met the President along with Sonia on Wednesday evening, said that the President has given him the letter of invitation to form government and has sought his advice to give names of other members of his to be Cabinet.

Earlier, In a closed door CPP meeting Manmohan Singh's candidature for the PM's post was ratified.

However, it was decided Sonia Gandhi would continue as the chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party. She will also continue as the party President.

Beside being the CPP leader, Manmohan Singh will also be the Deputy Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party.

Last time, a similar situation had existed when Indira Gandhi was elected CPP Chairperson after her defeat in Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency in 1977.

At that time, the leader of the CPP was Y B Chavan and the party was in opposition.

Earlier, in a statement Sonia Gandhi said that she would continue as Congress President and Chairperson as long as the Congress workers want her to be.

Text of Sonia's statement issued on Wednesday:

"When I spoke to the Congress Parliamentary Party yesterday, I expected that there would be some disappointment and some sadness. But I have been totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotion from nearly every corner of our country. And I have been humbled by the love and affection that has been so spontaneously expressed.

"To all of you who are upset or disappointed, I have this to say: I am not going anywhere. I am still very much in politics. I will continue as Congress President and Chairperson, Congress Party in Parliament for as long as you want me to. I am one of you. And nothing will ever change that.

"I entered politics out of a sense of duty and commitment. My family has always treated politics as part of a crusade to create a better India. Indiraji and Rajivji made the supreme sacrifice for our nation. There examples inspired us all and speaking for myself, I know that I derive my strength from their courage. No matter how much adversity I have faced, it is nothing compared to what they had to go through. Today, it is their strength and their inspiration that guide me and the Congress party.

"I understand your disappointment. But I appeal to you to understand the depth of my sentiment, when I say that I cannot reverse my decision. We live in times when politics is about power. Let us show the world that for the Congress party, politics is about values and integrity.

"As I said, I am overwhelmed by your love. But now, we must get on with the serious business of undoing the damage done by the last government and of working to create the India of our dreams.

"I urge you to support the Congress Prime Minister. And I request you to give your full supprt to the new Cabinet. The Congress party is overflowing with talent. Let us give India the government it deserves.

"Speaking for myself. I will always be here, working for the party. The Congress is my life. All of you are my family. Let us now build the 21st Century India that was Rajivji's vision".

Send your Opinions: NRI's role in infrastructure--->opinion@nriinternet.com