Manmohan Singh appointed PM, Swearing in on May 22

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Source: Times of India

Manmohan Singh was on Wednesday appointed prime minister for a second consecutive term, for which he will be sworn-in on May 22, after the UPA coalition staked its claim to form the government with the backing of 322 MPs, PTI reported.

Apparently in view of the comfortable numbers the coalition has in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the president has not asked the prime minister to prove his strength in the house. "I have pleasure to appoint you the prime minister and request you to advise me on the names of the others to be appointed to the council of ministers. "I propose to administer the oath of office and secrecy to you on Friday, 22nd May 2009 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan at a mutually convenient time," President Pratibha Patil said in her letter handed over to Singh when he called on her along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Manmohan-Singh-appointed-Prime-Minister/articleshow/4554843.cms

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While the government formation was expected to be without any surprises after UPA received 262 seats in the 543 member Lok Sabha, what was surprising is the fact that parties that contested against the UPA in these elections have given their support "unconditionally" - SP (22), BSP (21), RJD (4).

After more than two decades, India is seeing a political party with very little coalition pressures take office.