Will the Akali Dal Restore Land to Farmers in Punjab?
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Synopsis
Sukhbir Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, promises to return land to farmers in Punjab if his party regains power. He criticizes the AAP for its land acquisition strategies and outlines plans for future governance, including job creation for Punjabis and resuming welfare schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal promises to restore land to farmers.
- Initiation of a march to protect farmers' rights.
- Plans to reserve jobs for Punjabis in government positions.
- Reinstatement of welfare schemes and increased pensions.
- Accusations against AAP for land acquisition strategies.
Baba Bakala (Punjab), Aug 9 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal confidently declared that if the SAD returns to power in Punjab, they will restore all land taken by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) back to farmers, similar to how land was returned for the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal in 2016.
Speaking at a political gathering during the Rakhar Punya event, Badal emphasized: “We are resolute. We can lay down our lives but will never permit even an inch of land to be forcibly taken from farmers. This is why we are initiating the ‘Jameen Bachao - Punjab Bachao Morcha’ starting September 1, which will feature an indefinite march from Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali to the newly established 'Sheesh Mahal,' where AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal currently resides.”
Badal criticized AAP's approach, arguing that unlike previous SAD administrations which provided fair compensation for land acquired for vital projects, Kejriwal is determined to seize valuable agricultural land at minimal costs to transfer it to builders from Delhi as part of a clandestine Rs 30,000 crore deal.
He mentioned that farmers on approximately 65,000 acres being taken for development are already struggling, as all registry and land use change processes have been halted.
Reiterating that the Akali Dal is committed to protecting the interests of Punjabis, Badal stated: “Once we establish the government in 2027, we will prohibit outsiders from buying land in Punjab. We will also guarantee that government jobs are exclusively offered to Punjabis and that new companies employ at least 80 percent Punjabi workers.”
Additionally, he revealed plans to reinstate the ‘atta-daal’ and Shagun schemes and to increase old-age pensions. Badal asserted that a defamation campaign led to the Akali Dal's defeat in 2017, claiming that AAP and the Congress collaborated to tarnish the party's reputation.
“Recent evidence has surfaced indicating that AAP was implicated in the sacrilege incident in Malerkotla in 2016, following the conviction of one of its lawmakers in 2024. If an extensive investigation is conducted regarding other sacrilege cases, AAP's involvement will likely be uncovered as well,” Badal concluded.
Point of View
Sukhbir Badal's commitment to restoring land to farmers and ensuring job opportunities for locals reflects a growing concern over agricultural rights and economic stability in Punjab. As the political landscape shifts, the Akali Dal's focus on local governance and accountability may resonate with voters seeking stability and support.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What land will be returned to farmers?
Sukhbir Badal has promised to return all land acquired by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) back to farmers in Punjab if the Akali Dal comes to power.
When will the Akali Dal's march begin?
The march named ‘Jameen Bachao - Punjab Bachao Morcha’ is set to start on September 1.
What are the Akali Dal's plans for government jobs?
Badal stated that once in power, they will ensure that government jobs are reserved for Punjabis only.
What welfare programs will be reinstated?
The Akali Dal plans to restart the ‘atta-daal’ and Shagun schemes and increase old-age pensions.
What accusations are being made against AAP?
Badal accuses AAP of being involved in past sacrilege incidents and of unfairly acquiring land for development.
