Rahul Gandhi following Rajiv's footsteps?

Etawah, Mar 15: The sleuths of the Special Protection Group (SPG), deployed in the security of Congress General Secretary and party MP from Amethi Rahul Gandhi, had a real tough time today when he breached security norms several times to mingle with the people.

It was the most-difficult call for securitymen as Rahul gave them a slip to enter a potato field and talked with the farmers. He remained in the field for a few minutes till the securitymen hastened to throw a cover around him when he was surrounded by several villagers. Later, in Etawah town, he stopped his motorcade at a 'tea shop' to relish sips of the tea at a rather open place, not conducive as far as threat perception was concerned. The SPG sleuths were seen in a jitter to protect him as a jubilant crowd, thrilled at finding young leader so accessible, gathered around him.

The young Congress MP was here to meet the bereaved dalit family whose five members were killed on March 12 last.

His daring security breach, however, proved lucky for 21-year old dalit girl Suman, who could find an opportunity to meet him and narrate her tale fo woes. She told him that her family was consistently under threat from a Thakur family but her complaints to the Mayawati government had gone unheard.

Showing sensitivity, Rahul took her phone number and assured her that his party would try to help her as much as possible.

UNI