"Our approach is flexible. We will not stake claim for seats in which our candidates are weak. Our prime objective is to keep communal forces at bay and will do whatever is needed in this regard," an upbeat State Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi said.

Though UPCC has finalised candidates for 40 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, it was prepared to reconsider the names after reaching an understanding with SP, she said.

"A final decision on alliance is to be taken by AICC. As far as UPCC is concerned we do not have a mental block and we are open for discussion on seats, which would be decided on a basis of formula considering winnability and constituency," Joshi said.

About the prestigious Lucknow seat, represented by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Joshi said that PCC would strongly pitch for its candidate.

"We are in search of a powerful candidate for the seat. AICC Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is taking personal interest," she said.