Warring leads Cong protest against land pooling policy

In a strong show of opposition against the state government’s newly introduced land pooling policy, the Congress organised a sit-in outside the GLADA office here on Monday.

The demonstration was led by Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who made a dramatic entry to the protest site by driving a tractor.

The protest began at 11 am, drawing participation from district Congress leaders and workers. Warring urged all party members and supporters to join in large numbers, emphasising the importance of collective action.|

Former ministers Gurkirat Singh Kotli, former MLAs Lakhbir Lakha, Malkit Dakha, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Surinder Dabur, Sanjay Talwar and Bikram Bajwa were present. However, factionalism within the party was clearly visible during the event.

During the protest, the faction led by former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu was absent. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and MLA Pargat Singh also did not attend the demonstration.

Former deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said those who failed to participate in the protest did not truly love the Congress or its president. Taking a jibe at the Chief Minister, he said earlier Bhagwant Mann spoke of empowering villages but now, he seems determined to eliminate them. Randhawa warned that if the Congress comes to power, the land pooling scheme would be scrapped on the very first day.

Addressing the gathering, Warring invoked the legacy of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh and Kartar Singh Sarabha, urging people to awaken their inner patriots and not be deterred by rain or discomfort.

“Our land is our mother and we will fight every battle to protect it,” he said.

“We do believe in Shri Guru Granth Sahib but we do not follow what it teaches. Whether it rains or gets dark, we must not be afraid. Governments know that these people won’t get wet, won’t dirty their clothes — that’s why they treat us unfairly. Punjabis may die but will never give up their rights,” he said.

Former MLAs Simarjit Singh Bains and Kuldeep Singh Vaid said the state government had announced the acquisition of land. Here, 23,000 acres were to be acquired. Do the AAP government have ?23,000 crore to compensate farmers?

“This policy is not in favour of farmers’ rights. Plots being offered under the scheme are in areas that hold no real value. GLADA is keeping prime lands for itself. We fought for water before and now, will fight for land. We will not tolerate any kind of coercion from the government,” said Simarjit Singh Bains.

Reason behind the protest

The protest by the Congress is in response to the land pooling policy that aims to consolidate over 40,000 acres of agricultural land for planned urban development. Under the scheme, farmers are promised developed residential and commercial plots in exchange for their land. The government claims the policy will economically empower farmers and ensure land security.