New Delhi, Jan. 26 -- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made a brief appearance at the President of India's At Home reception on the occasion of Republic Day on Monday.

The Lok Sabha LoP, who holds status equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister, however, did not join the queue of waiting Ministers and instead chose to go and sit with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, sources said. They said it is first time that Rahul Gandhi attended 'At Home' as Leader of the Opposition.

Sources said Rahul Gandhi stood up when the President arrived, after he was reminded to do so by the staff of the President's House.

They said that the Congress President chose to leave the occasion early along with Rahu...