Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh on Friday met Communist Party of India (Marxist) veteran Harkishen Singh Surjeet amid speculation on the SP's role in a Congress-led government at the centre.

The Samajwadi Party will hold its parliamentary board meeting later in the day.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Singh said: "The new government does not need us. If need arises, we will consider about it."

Former prime minister V P Singh also met senior CPM leaders to discuss the possible inclusion of 'secular' parties into the new government.

He said the Left parties must consider joining the government because then the "cabinet representation will be according to the political reality."

He added, "For the Left, it is a golden opportunity. It is at the periphery now and can present itself, give positive inputs for the working class."

Singh said he will speak to the Left leader, Jyoti Basu, who is arriving in New Delhi in the evening.