Did Kejriwal Strike a Secret Deal with Delhi Builders Over 65,000 Acres in Punjab?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Sukhbir Badal accuses Arvind Kejriwal of a secret deal with Delhi builders to acquire land in Punjab at low prices for funding AAP's election campaigns. This controversial claim has ignited protests and raised concerns about the impact on local farmers. What does this mean for Punjab's agricultural future?
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal alleges a secret deal involving 65,000 acres of Punjab land.
- The deal is reportedly worth Rs 30,000 crore.
- Protests are underway against the AAP government’s land acquisition scheme.
- Farmers’ livelihoods are at risk due to potential land loss.
- The Akali Dal plans to introduce policies to protect local interests.
Bathinda (Punjab), Aug 4 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating a clandestine agreement valued at Rs 30,000 crore with builders from Delhi, enabling them to acquire 65,000 acres of land in Punjab at significantly reduced prices. This move, he claims, is intended to finance AAP’s forthcoming election campaigns nationwide.
Speaking at a large sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Badal stated: “We refuse to permit any land to be taken under the AAP government’s land acquisition scheme. Our agitation will persist until this land pooling initiative is rescinded.”
He emphasized that farmers are being compelled to shoulder the costs associated with AAP’s growth strategies, asserting: “Kejriwal has essentially relocated to Punjab, making the Markfed office in Mohali his home.”
Moreover, Badal highlighted that AAP Delhi leader Manish Sisodia has been given a residence adjacent to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh.
He contended that the duo, along with others from Delhi, have seized control of Punjab and are determined to exploit it.
Affirming that the Akali Dal will obstruct the operations of a five-member committee led by the Chief Secretary, which oversees land acquisitions, Badal remarked: “We will not permit this committee, filled with outsiders, to enter Punjab.”
He urged the Chief Secretary to refrain from participating in the unlawful acquisition process, which violates the 2013 Central Act on land acquisition, instead opting for a state act from 1995 that is biased against farmers.
Badal made it clear that the true victims will be the farmers.
“In the past 25 years, only 11,000 acres have been acquired in Punjab, of which 3,000 acres remain undeveloped. Likewise, only 28,000 acres were acquired for Chandigarh 75 years ago, with 8,000 acres still lying idle. How can the AAP government presume it can develop 44,000 acres, including 24,000 acres in Ludhiana alone?” he questioned, adding that farmers would endure prolonged waits for their land’s development, jeopardizing their livelihoods and the agricultural economy of the affected regions.
Badal pointed out that some village panchayats have already adopted resolutions against land acquisition, asserting, “This should escalate into a mass movement.”
He also revealed that the Akali Dal will introduce a policy to prevent outsiders from purchasing land in the state if they form a government in 2027.
“Additionally, government jobs will be exclusively reserved for Punjabi youths.” He further stated that the next SAD government would welcome new industries into Punjab, mandating them to employ at least 80 percent Punjabis in their operations.
Point of View
It is essential to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. While claims of underhand dealings warrant scrutiny, the potential implications on local farmers and the agricultural sector must also be carefully considered. The discourse surrounding land use in Punjab is complex and requires a thorough examination of all stakeholders involved, ensuring the voice of the farmers is heard and respected.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deal that Sukhbir Badal is accusing Kejriwal of?
Sukhbir Badal alleges that Arvind Kejriwal made a secret deal with Delhi builders to acquire 65,000 acres of land in Punjab for Rs 30,000 crore, intended for AAP’s election funding.
How has the Akali Dal responded to this alleged deal?
The Akali Dal has stated that they will not allow any land to be acquired under this scheme and are organizing protests to withdraw the land pooling initiative.
What are the concerns raised by Badal regarding the impact on farmers?
Badal has expressed that farmers will suffer the most under this scheme, as their land is being acquired without proper development plans, affecting their livelihoods.
Is there any legislative framework involved in this land acquisition?
Yes, Badal argues that the land acquisition process is violating the 2013 Central Act and is instead following a state act from 1995 that is biased against farmers.
What future policies does the Akali Dal plan to implement?
If elected, the Akali Dal intends to prevent outsiders from purchasing land in Punjab and ensure that government jobs are reserved for Punjabi youth.
