BJP vows to protect farmers’ land in Punjab from AAP’s pooling policy

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over its controversial land pooling scheme, with state general secretary Rakesh Rathore asserting that the BJP would not permit the acquisition of “even an inch” of farmers’ land.

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Speaking at a press conference held at the district BJP office at Dugri, Rathore, flanked by district unit president Rajneesh Dhiman, lambasted the AAP government’s policy, calling it a direct assault on the interests of the state’s farming community. He contended that the decision to acquire agricultural land from Punjab’s most fertile and productive areas would devastate farmers.

Rathore strongly criticised the land pooling policy, arguing that its implementation would strip farmers of their ability to sell their land or secure loans against it, thereby completely eroding their economic freedom. “The government’s job is to grant rights, not to snatch them away,” Rathore stated, demanding a re-evaluation of the policy to safeguard farmers’ interests.

Rathore questioned the rationale behind acquiring more land when numerous residential colonies already were lying vacant, with many plots remaining undeveloped. He urged the government to prioritise the development of existing land parcels before embarking on further acquisitions.

Meanwhile, SAD has also taken up this issue and a meeting regarding land pooling was held today in which local SAD leaders took part. The leaders have decided to stage a protest outside DC office on July 15 in various districts of Punjab against the decision of the AAP government regarding land pooling.