SAD Launches Protest Against AAP's Controversial Land Pooling Policy

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has vehemently criticized the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) recent land pooling policy, terming it a 'land-grabbing' scheme. His party plans to stage protests beginning September 1 in Mohali, directed towards pressuring the AAP government to withdraw the scheme.

In a media briefing, Badal alleged that AAP's leader, Arvind Kejriwal, had orchestrated an 'underhand deal' with Delhi builders to acquire fertile farmland in Punjab, purportedly to financially benefit the party. The SAD head affirmed that his party would obstruct any land acquisition attempts under this policy.

Opposition parties, alongside farmer groups, have echoed Badal's sentiments, describing the policy as an exploitative measure against farmers. Conversely, the ruling AAP defends its initiative, claiming it ensures landowners receive developed plots in exchange for their land, without any forced acquisitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)