Wednesday, July 5 2006 12:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today (July 5, 2006) held deliberations with Chief Ministers of states ruled by her party on price rise of essential commodities in the backdrop of growing criticism of the UPA Government over the issue.



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Political Secretary to party President Ahmed Patel and 11 Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states are attending the meeting at 10 Janpath here.

Punjab, however, is being represented by Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal as Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is reportedly indisposed.

Gandhi yesterday held consultations with AICC General Secretaries and CWC members who are in charge of states to get feedback on spiralling prices of essential commodities in states.

She sought suggestions from party leaders on ways and means to bring down the prices to help the common man.

The suggestions are expected to be put before the meeting and their response could lead to finalisation of an action plan.