New Delhi, Jan 2 – Sonia Gandhi, head of India's ruling alliance, was responding to treatment and "showing signs of steady improvement" Wednesday, a day after she was hospitalised due to chest infection and breathing problems.

B.K. Rao, chairman of the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said in a bulletin that Gandhi's condition was stable and that "she had taken normal meals and rest".

Rao, who is also a senior doctor, said the Congress president had a "comfortable and restful night and is making steady progress. Her treatment is continuing and she has been advised further rest."

Gandhi, chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), was admitted to the hospital with a cough and a slight breathing problem. The hospital said she had a "chest infection".

According to a hospital source, a three-member team of doctors was treating Gandhi in a private ward. The source said Gandhi had "mild fever and cold" for the past few days.

As on Tuesday, scores of Congress workers turned up at the hospital to meet Gandhi Wednesday but they were denied entry. Some of her supporters were seen holding "Get Well Soon" placards.