She said that the quality of debate within would be crucial to the Congress' future as a political force.
"We are here on serious business which will determine our future," Gandhi told party leaders. The meeting is expected to draw up a roadmap for the 2014 general elections.
"I want all of you to speak your mind, to be free and frank in whatever you say," she said, adding: "When we are done, we must go forward with a clear and unified sense of purpose."