Congress whip to its MPs: Sonia, Rahul absent

Sonia Gandhi and  Rahul Gandhi were not present in the Lok Sabha today despite a Congress  whip to its MPs in both the Houses of Parliament to be present in case of a vote on price issue but the party downplayed their absence.

"Yes it is correct that there was an advisory for the members to be present but the Congress President and the general secretary also have party responsibilities and organisational

"The reasons must have been very compelling (for their absence)," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said adding he was not aware of the exact reason for their absence.

The party had issued a whip to its MPs to be present in Parliament against the backdrop of the opposition move to press for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha on the price rise issue, which could be followed by a vote.

Congress sources said the whip has been issued to ensure presence of members in Parliament.