Congress president Sonia Gandhi [Images], who was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi for chest infection, is making "steady progress", but has been advised "further rest".

"She had a comfortable night and slept well. Her progress is steady and she is responding well to treatment," said B K Rao, chairman of the board of management of Sir Gangaram Hospital, where she was admitted in the early hours of New Year's Day.

"She has been advised further rest. Doctors are regularly inspecting her," he told reporters, ducking questions on when the 61-year-old leader would be discharged.

Asked when Sonia was likely to leave the hospital, he said a decision would be taken on the basis of the report from the doctors attending on her.

Earlier, party sources had said she was expected to be discharged on Wednesday.

Sonia was hospitalised after she complained of difficulty in breathing and was diagnosed with having a chest infection.
There was tight security at the hospital and no visitors were allowed to meet Sonia.