New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS): A meeting of some Congress leaders on Wednesday took a lot of people by surprise when Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, sister of party vice president Rahul Gandhi, also turned up.

A party leader would only say that the meeting was held to discuss the tour programmes of Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said that Priyanka Gandhi is a member of an important political family.

“Even if she is not seen taking part in active politics, she is an active member of the Indian National Congress,” he said.

“She has her own views on political issues and talks to party workers from time to time.

“If on some issue she has talked to some leaders, what is there to be surprised about? What is new in this?”

A Congress leader, not wishing to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject, told IANS that Priyanka Vadra joined the meeting towards the end.

The meeting was held at Rahul Gandhi's 12 Tughlak Lane residence. It was not clear if Rahul Gandhi was present at the meeting.

Priyanka Vadra has been looking after the constituencies of her brother Rahul Gandhi (Amethi) and her mother Sonia Gandhi (Rae Bareli).

Her presence created a buzz in party circles, with the news spreading fast to the party headquarters at 24 Akbar Road, with many speculating whether Priyanka Vadrra would take an active role in the campaign for the April-May general elections that is likely to be led by Rahul Gandhi.