New Delhi - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh resigned Monday and is set to form a new government after his Indian National Congress party won a decisive victory in general elections.

Earlier, the federal cabinet held its last meeting and all ministers submitted their resignations to Singh, who handed his own letter and those of his cabinet to President Pratibha Patil.

The cabinet also passed a resolution appreciating Singh's leadership and his work over the past five years.

In accordance with protocol, Patil requested Singh and his ministers to continue until the formation of the next government.

The Congress Party-led United Progressive Alliance won 262 seats in the 545-member Lok Sabha, or lower house of Parliament, falling short of a majority by 10 seats.

The Congress Party alone won 206 seats.

"Discussions will be held with pre-election allies on Tuesday after which a final decision will be taken by the Congress Party leadership on further allies," Congress Party spokesman Janrdhan Dwivedi said.

The Congress Parliamentary Party is also scheduled to meet Tuesday to once again choose Singh as its parliamentary party leader and party president Sonia Gandhi as chairperson.

On Tuesday, Patil is expected to formally ask Singh to form a new government. He will have to show he has the support of a majority of lawmakers in Parliament.

The Congress Party is planning to approach the president with letters of support from at least 20-30 lawmakers beyond the UPA's 262, IANS news agency reported citing Congress Party sources.

Several smaller parties have offered support to the UPA government.

A new government is expected to be sworn in by Friday.