Sukhbir Singh Badal Rallies Against Controversial Land Policy in Punjab

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), criticized the Punjab government's land pooling policy, calling it a "land grabbing scheme" on Monday. Badal pledged to increase protests, expressing concern over the policy's impact on farmers.

The AAP government faced backlash from opposition parties, with claims that the policy exploits landowners. Badal blamed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying, "It's not a land pooling scheme, but land grabbing scheme." He assured that SAD would prevent any land acquisition.

Despite opposition criticism, AAP promoted the policy as "farmer-friendly," aiming for transparent urban development. Under new provisions, landowners would receive substitute residential and commercial plots. Badal, however, vowed continued resistance, advocating for farmer interests and demanding consensual land acquisitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)