Congress president Rahul Gandhi,newly formed Makkal Needhi Maiam's leader Kamal Hassan, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri, NCP leader Sharad Pawar were seen together on the same stage.
Out of all, what stole the show was Sonia Gandhi and Mayawati's little informal display of friendship. With Sonia resting her head on Mayawati's, and the two holding hands more than once, a totally different side of them was seen.
Check out these pictures where Sonia and Mayawati take their partnership to an informal note.
Watch them sharing a light moment during the congregation
The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year.
The BJP boycotted the ceremony and observed a "Black Day" during which it held statewide protests against the new coalition government, which it called "unholy".