Sonia, Rahul, Priyanka seen together in LS today

New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) Nehru-Gandhi family GenNext Rahul Gandhi today delivered in the Lok Sabha his maiden speech on the Budget, with his mother and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka, applauding.

While Ms Gandhi, who is also the Congress President, was seated in the front row of the treasury benches, Ms Priyanka, along with her husband, Robert Vadra, was present in the Speaker's gallery in the balcony.

Mr Gandhi's speech was well received by the House, with treasury bench members, including Ms Gandhi, thumping their desks frequently in appreciation of the points made by him.

Taking part in the Budget 2006-07 discussion in the House, Mr Gandhi, the young MP from Amethi, earlier represented in the House by Ms Gandhi and former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, chose to focus on education.

Explaining the reason for his choice, Mr Gandhi said the House may not get sufficient time to discuss the allocation for the Human Resource Development Ministry.

Asked for her reaction while leaving the gallery, Ms Priyanka said, throwing a broad smile, ''I was happy to see him speak.'' Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said young members should have greater participation in such debates.

Mr Gandhi's aunt, Ms Maneka Gandhi (BJP), was conspicuous by her absence. The BJP benches had thin attendance.

Most of the journalists, who had packed the press gallery, were seen leaving their seats after the young MP finished his brief speech.

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