Opposition to land pooling policy grows, activist Lakhvir Singh Lakha joins movement

The opposition to Punjab’s land pooling policy continues to gain momentum, with farmers now receiving backing from various sections of society. On Monday, social activist Lakhvir Singh Lakha came out in support of the farmers, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of attempting to deceive those who, he said, “fill the stomachs of crores of countrymen.”

Lakha termed the land pooling policy a veiled privatisation move aimed at curbing farmers’ rights. Braving heavy rainfall, he led a protest outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) office and demanded that the government come clean on its contradictory actions.

“The government says not an inch of land will be acquired without farmers’ consent. Yet in May 2025, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development issued a letter stating that land will be acquired under the 2013 Act—which imposes severe restrictions on sale and development of land,” Lakha pointed out. “Following that, Tehsildars across Punjab issued orders to halt change of land use (CLUs). This is nothing but a signal for farmers to surrender all rights on their land.”

Addressing a gathering of farmers, including many women from affected villages, Lakha questioned the financial feasibility of the government’s promise to pay Rs 1 lakh per acre annually until colonies were developed. “That’s Rs 650 crore per year. The state can’t even pay salaries to employees. Where will this money come from?” he asked.

He further criticised the government for failing to utilise existing land and properties. “There are already several unoccupied government colonies in Punjab. In Ludhiana, the City Centre lies in ruins, overrun by drug addicts. The LIT building on Rani Jhansi Road is unused, and 800 acres in Gobindpura, Mansa district, remain undeveloped,” he said.

Lakha also questioned the purpose of large-scale development projects in a state facing shrinking population and a youth exodus. “With over 20 per cent of homes already locked and so many youths either addicted or settled abroad, who are these massive projects for?” he asked.

He warned urban residents not to remain complacent, claiming that multinational corporations would eventually dominate the landscape, impacting local markets and businesses.

Calling for united resistance, Lakha urged people to join a tractor march on July 30 to oppose the policy.