Is Punjab’s land pooling scheme a major heist?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP leaders accuse AAP of unconstitutional practices.
- Concerns over farmers' rights and land ownership.
- Legal and political battles anticipated from BJP.
- Criticism of AAP’s governance and planning promises.
- Importance of public awareness in land policy discussions.
Chandigarh, July 4 (NationPress) BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh, alongside Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, met with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday to inform him about the land pooling initiative of the AAP-led Bhagwant Mann administration.
Jakhar conveyed to the media post-meeting that the government has failed to establish any rules or guidelines under the Land Pooling Policy of 2025.
“This raises significant worries about the extent of this theft in its upcoming phase.” He stated that the BJP is prepared to challenge this unconstitutional act in court as well.
Jakhar emphasized that although the land under notification is still officially recorded in farmers’ names, in reality, the farmers are unable to sell it or use it as collateral for loans during times of financial distress.
Chugh accused Kejriwal of seizing control of Punjab’s democratically elected government, using the Mann administration as a puppet to serve the interests of land mafias and his close associates.
He remarked that the land pooling Bill is not only unconstitutional but also lacks any transparent strategy, indicating a deliberate plan to benefit land mafias and Kejriwal’s inner circle at the expense of farmers.
“This is sheer tyranny. The BJP will combat this issue legally, politically, and on the ground. We will contest this Bill in court and take our struggle to every village in Punjab. If protests do not succeed, we are prepared to engage in a hunger strike. We will not permit even a fraction of land to be taken from Punjab’s farmers,” declared Chugh and Jakhar.
They criticized the AAP government’s empty assurances of 400 years of planning, stating: “They couldn’t manage Punjab for four years, and now they talk of 400. Their mismanagement has driven Punjab to the bottom of financial standings, and now they want to transfer land to mafias. This is arrogance and betrayal.”
Chugh highlighted the implicit support from Congress, asserting that their silence on this matter demonstrates a covert alliance with AAP. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for promising that no undemocratic or unjust actions will be permitted in Punjab and warned AAP that its countdown in Punjab has commenced.