The Union Cabinet is meeting this evening to decide on the issue of withdrawal of the ordinance on convicted lawmakers. The meeting takes place amidst a controversy kicked up in political circles over the issue.

The Congress core group has favoured withdrawal of the ordinance. Party sources said, the decision was taken in the core group meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and senior party leader Ahmed Patel. Later, the Prime Minister met President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan to brief him on the issue and also about his recent visit abroad.

In the morning, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi met Prime Minister to explain his views on the ordinance. He, had earlier this week, made certain remarks against the ordinance. The remarks created a row over the issue with the BJP demanding Prime Minister's resignation. However, Dr. Singh, on his return from the US last night, ruled out any such possibility saying he would try to find out the reason why Rahul made a public statement.