Gandhi also suggested that party workers adopt 'austerity measures' so their public and private lives 'reflect concern for those who are less fortunate'.

Of the 52 invitees to the meeting, 49 attended -- Rahul Gandhi, Digvijay Singh and Vilasrao Deshmukh could not attend as they were out of Delhi.

The chief ministers of the Congress ruled states were also invited. Of the 12 chief ministers, 10 attended. Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang and Mizoram's Pu Lalthanhawla could not make it.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Rural Development Minister C.P. Joshi were the special invitees at the meeting.