Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh hosted a dinner last night to the UPA partners at his residence in New Delhi to chalk out Government strategy ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning from 22nd of this month. Leader of Lok Sabha and Home Minister Sushil kumar Shinde briefed the allies about the notices that have been given by various parties under different rules.

Besides UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister A K Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram, among those who attended yesterday's dinner included T R Balu of DMK, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, Praful Patel of NCP, Ajit Singh of RLD and E Ahmed of Indian Union Muslim League.

The Prime Minister has already met Samajwadi Party Leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati separately last week. Both the parties are supporting the UPA Government from outside.

The UPA Government hopes that the forthcoming winter session of Parliament will be productive and be able to pass several important legislations beneficial to the common man.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that very important issues concerning the welfare of the people are awaiting passage in Parliament. He said, the government is also taking number of steps to revive economic growth and growth rate is expected to pick up in the last two quarters.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tiwari said that all efforts are being made to reach out to all political parties. He said, the government will complete its full 5 year term.

The Left parties will move notices in the upcoming session of Parliament to oppose the government's decision of allowing foreign direct investment, FDI, in multi-brand retail. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi yesterday, senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, the left parties want a discussion on the issue in Parliament.

Mr Yechury termed the government's logic that FDI will benefit farmers as a mere myth. He appealed other political parties to join the left in opposing the government's decision.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on the 21st, a day before the Winter Session of Parliament starts, to discuss pressing issues.

Prime Minister has invited senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley for dinner tonight.