Rahul sits in front row of Central Hall

New Delhi, Jan. 29: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, whose party fumed over his seating arrangement in the sixth row at the Republic Day parade, on Monday got a front row seat in the Central Hall of Parliament during the President’s address to the joint sitting of both Houses.

Mr Gandhi, was seen restive during the hourlong maiden address of President Ram Nath Kovind at the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament to mark the beginning of the Budget Session. The Congress president was seen talking to his mother Sonia Gandhi and party leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president, was also seated in the front row alongside BJP patriarch L. K. Advani, who had former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seated on the other side.

Ahead of occupying their seats, Mr Advani greeted Sonia Gandhi. The two were also seen talking after the function, as the Congress leader thumped the desk after the President ended his address.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also greeted Sonia Gandhi and so did Union minister Ramdas Athawale. I& B minister Smriti Irani also shook hands with Mr Advani, but did not greet Sonia Gandhi.

Among other Opposition leaders seated in the front row were Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was seated next to finance minister Arun Jaitley.