Stepping up his campaign against the Uttar Pradesh government, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday visited the twin villages of Bhatta Parsaul, the epicentre of farmers' protests in May over land acquisition, as part of his foot march across villages in the state.
Gandhi told farmers in the area, near the Indian capital, that 'land acquisition is taking place from here to Agra' and he wanted to understand for himself what were the issues facing them.
"I have started this yatra. I have started it from Bhatta and will go to all villages and see what is happening to ascertain your views on the new land acquisition policy of the Uttar Pradesh government," he said.
Gandhi's surprise visit ramps up the campaign against the Mayawati government in the state headed for the assembly polls next year.
The Congress leader had planned to address a farmers' rally in Bhatta Parsaul but had moved the venue to Aligarh for July 9 after he was denied permission by the Mayawati-led state government.
The Congress general secretary told reporters that he would raise issues troubling farmers during his march in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that the state police was committing excesses on farmers.
In May this year, he visited Bhatta Parsaul - where violence between farmers and the administration over land acquisition had resulted in the deaths of four people, including two policemen.
Gandhi had visited Tappal in Aligarh last year in support of farmers raising a similar demand.
The Congress has also attacked the Mayawati government over 'deteriorating' law and order in the state.
While the party staged a demonstration in Lucknow last month, Gandhi visited Nighasan in Lakhimpur Kheri district where he met the parents and family of a 14-year old girl allegedly raped and murdered inside a police station.