Amethi: Rahul Gandhi today (Mar 29, 2004) virtually kicked off his election campaign in this prestigious Parliamentary seat vacated for him by his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, by making a whirlwind tour of the constituency and promising to give his "best shot" to resolve the problems facing the area.

Rahul, the youngest member of the Nehru-Gandhi family to enter active politics, was given a rousing reception at Shilauli as he entered his prospective constituency a week after the party formally made him the candidate for Amethi, a seat once represented by his father Rajiv Gandhi.

Striking an emotional chord with the people of the area, the 34 year-old Gandhi recalled that his family has ties with the constituency dating back to the time of his grandfather and father, which he wanted to strengthen.

Interacting with mediapersons after going around the area, he said that there were "a lot of issues" in the area and unemployment alone was not the problem.

Hundreds of Congress activists awaiting his arrival since early morning rented the air with slogans to welcome their leader and made part of his motorcade followed by a group of motorcycle borne supporters that moved ahead.

As the cavalcade moved on, he was greeted by people of Amethi lined on both sides of the road.

Speaking to a group of women who stood there along with their children, Gandhi asked them to ensure that their children went to school and studied well.

Rahul was accompanied by former Union Minister Satish Sharma and Kishori Lal Sharma, representative of Sonia Gandhi.

Wearing white kurta pyjama and looking cheerful, Rahul Gandhi also interacted with school children in Kasauli, who lined up before the Gaurav Academy to welcome him and asked them to pursue their studies wholeheartedly.

As the cavalcade moved ahead, people were heard discussing as to how he bore resemblance to his father late Rajiv, who once represented the constituency.