Another 'secret' Rahul Gandhi visit to Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow:  He's becoming somewhat of an expert at under-the-radar visits to and from Uttar Pradesh.  Impressive, given that Rahul Gandhi is one of India's most recognized and tracked personalities.

Today, he landed unexpectedly in Lucknow on a Jet Lite flight.  His nine Special Protection Guards travelled with him in three SUVs to the Anandi Water park to address a group of new officer bearers of the Youth Congress.

We did not know that he was coming, we only got to know once he landed. He did not inform us," said Home Secretary Anand Kumar, sounding somewhat weary.

That's the second time this month that the local police and district administration have been excluded from details of Gandhi's itinerary.  He travelled a few weeks ago by sleeper coach from UP to Mumbai.  

The UP police had officially protested about the fact that they had not been told of his visit.  

Mayawati's government has warned repeatedly that if Gandhi exposes himself to security risks by not sharing his plans with the local police, the state government cannot be held responsible should something go wrong. 

When the state government is involved with his visits to UP, it provides facilities like an ambulance as part of Gandhi's convoy -these additional security features are obligatory for politicians protected by the Special Protection Guard (SPG).

Posters at the venue of his meeting welcomed Gandhi - suggesting that at least some of those who helped organize it were expecting the Congress General Secretary.

When asked, however, they said they were unaware that he would address the meeting.