Amethi: Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament and son of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, today (June 8, 2004) expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress is an ally of the Samajwadi Party Government in UP and Rahul's statement is bound to set alarm bells ringing in capital Lucknow.

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The scion of the Gandhi family said that though the Samajwadi Party and the Congress are supporting each other at the Centre and in the State, there is a lack of coordination between the two.

Earlier, the first-time MP from Amethi received a rousing reception in the constituency. It was his first visit after a thumping victory here in the 14th Lok Sabha election.

Condemning the recent attacks on party workers in Rae Bareli, Rahul said, "These incidents are a matter of serious concern for us. The law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh in general is not good and in Rae Bareli it is worse."

Rae Bareli is represented by his mother in the Parliament.

Evading a direct reply to what would be the party's stand on UP's abysmal law and order situation, Rahul said it's the State Government's responsibility.

As far as the party's stand is concerned, he said, senior leaders of the party will take a decision. "I have nothing to say on this matter," he said.

Rahul said he is committed to the development of his constituency, but added that it is going to be an uphill task as cooperation from the State Government may not be forthcoming.

"Why will the State Government take interest in the development of Amethi, after all it does not suit them," he said.