Congress brass to discuss politics, economics today

NEW DELHI: Congress brass would get down to brass tacks on Friday at Surajkund as party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would discuss political situation and economic challenges with senior leaders at a strategy session.

After sending a sharp signal to the Opposition and activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal on corruption and economic reforms from Ramlila Maidan, Gandhi would hold an informal brainstorming session with 70 senior leaders of the party on Friday. The meeting would be attended by 19 members and 16 permanent invitees of the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party. There would be 23 cabinet ministers and 12 ministers of state with independent charge at Surajkund.

Sonia may discuss the flak her party and the UPA receive over constant corruption charges. Speaking to reporters, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said, "The meeting would begin at 10 am, with Congress president's opening remarks on the current political situation. Her remarks would form the basis of the discussion. After this is wrapped up, the prime minister would talk about economic challenges before the government. His opening remarks would be followed by a debate on economic situation which would be initiated by finance minister P Chidambaram."

Congress use the dialogue session, termed as Samvaad Baithak, to send out a signal of unity within the party. It has asked all top leaders to report to Congress headquarters at 8 am so that it can make the journey to the venue together in a bus.