New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee admitted Monday that the Congress was facing a difficult situation.

The Congress will have to face challenges. The situation is difficult, Mukherjee told the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting here.

But he expressed confidence that the Congress would be able to overcome the situation.

Mukherjee's candid remarks came ahead of elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat this year and at a time when the Congress faces an aggressive opposition and civil society.