Controversy Over Punjab's Land Pooling Policy: Akali Leaders Clash

In a heated political exchange, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parambans Singh Romana accused Akali dissident Manpreet Singh Ayali of striking a deal with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to exclude his land from Punjab's contentious land pooling policy. The charge, however, was staunchly denied by Dakha MLA Ayali.

Opposition parties, including SAD, have been vocal against the land pooling policy, labeling it as a 'looting' strategy set to strip farmers of fertile land. Romana alleged Ayali's silence on the issue stemmed from a personal benefit, as portions of his family's land were excluded from the scheme.

Ayali rebuffed these allegations, insisting over 150 acres of his land were included in the policy. He urged the government to retract the policy due to strong opposition from farmers, who fear forced land seizures across Punjab for residential and industrial development.

(With inputs from agencies.)