The by-now familiar camaraderie and dimpled charm were in high-beam, as Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi took turns driving in Amethi.

But not everyone was relaxed. The central government has sent a letter to the Uttar Pradesh Police complaining that Rahul Gandhi's security has been inadequate on his recent trips to the state.

As a result, the  media was asked to keep a safe distance from the Gandhis on Friday.  "We have done everything that they have asked for in the complaint; extra jammers and other equipment have also been provided," clarified AK Jain, the Additional Director General, Law and Order.

But many senior policemen in UP challenge the centre's right to complain about security lapses. Last month,  during Rahul's trip to the Barabanki district, his Special Protection Guard (SPG)  was accused of sneaking him into the state without warning local government or police officials.  At that time, it was the UP police who'd threatened to file a complaint about protocol being violated. That never happened. And the Congress party denied that Gandhi's SPG had failed to follow standard procedure.

Last year, Rahul Gandhi found himself without local security when he landed in Kanpur to meet students at the Agriculture University. The move was seen as an attempt by an insecure Mayawati to check Gandhi's influence and popularity in her state.