The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh rejected the charges of corruption levelled by Team Anna on his government.

Addressing Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Monday, Dr. Singh dismissed the claims by civil society activists that black money can be brought back from other countries in one stroke.

He said that his government is fully committed to tackle the menace of corruption in public life and bring about transparency and accountability in the working of the government.

Dr. Singh asserted that the UPA government has proved this by taking action on multiple fronts.

They include legislative and administrative action. Dr. Singh said, that misinformation is being spread by desperate elements in opposition and this needs to be tackled effectively.

He underlined the need for the leaders and workers of the party to educate the public about the canards and falsehood spread by those for opposing UPA.

Earlier, Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her address, termed as unfortunate and baseless, the allegations raised by the Opposition and team members of civil society against the Prime Minister, the UPA government and the Congress party.

Mrs. Gandhi said, such allegations are part of a conspiracy and has to be countered effectively.

Mrs. Gandhi termed the allegations as unfounded and baseless. She asked party men to rise to the occasion and work with greater unity. Mrs. Gandhi also called on them to prepare for 2014 general election.

Briefing to reporters later, party leader Janardan Dewidi said Congress Working Committee has authorised party president Sonia Gandhi to decide on Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate.

Speaking to reporters, senior leader and Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said the entire economic situation was reviewed in the meet. Mr Mukherjee said petrol price hike was necessary and he has written to the chief ministers to share the price burden.