Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who sneaked into Bhatta Parsul, the epicentre of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) farmers' agitations regarding land acquisition deals, had a close call on Wednesday.
The Congress leader, who reportedly pillion rode a motorcycle to reach Bhatta Parsul (Greater Noida) on Wednesday morning, spent the whole day staging a dharna with the irate farmers of the state who complained that the government was purchasing agricultural lands from them at a mere Rs. 800 per square meter while selling the same land at Rs. 3,200 per square meter to industries.
They also condemned the death of 2 farmers who were shot while they were protesting against the acquisition of agricultural land for industrial purposes.
Slamming the UP government for "unleashing such atrocities on its own people," Rahul Gandhi communicated with the farmers gathered all day long.
Later in the day, a man in his early 30s, weilding a firearm, was noticed lurking near the leader. The police quickly nabbed him and seized his country-made gun.
The UP police requested Rahul to refrain from making public appearences without adequate security in place.
On Wednesday evening, the Amethi MP was arrested for allegedly rousing discord among the farmers of Greater Noida. Gandhi had demanded that the Mayawati government provide the farmers with higher compensation for their land.
Mayawati is expected to hold a press conference on Thursday to explain the rationale behind the Rahul Gandhi's arrest.
filed in:Rahul Gandhi, Greater Noida, Farmers, Congress