In a bold display of dissent, Punjab farmers launched a tractor march on Tuesday to protest against the AAP government’s controversial land pooling policy, which they claim undermines their land rights and agricultural autonomy. According to the Hindustan Times, the demonstration, spearheaded by several farmer unions, underscored growing frustration with the state’s development policies and marked another chapter in the ongoing struggle between agrarian communities and the political establishment.
Farmers Say No to Land Pooling
The land pooling policy introduced as part of the AAP government’s urban development strategy proposes to consolidate agricultural land in rural areas for planned urban expansion. While the government touts it as a win-win approach for landowners and infrastructure development, farmers fear it’s a disguised land acquisition strategy that will leave them vulnerable to exploitation and long-term economic instability.
Hundreds of farmers from districts including Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala took to the roads with their tractors, chanting slogans against the Bhagwant Mann-led government. The protestors demanded the immediate rollback of the policy, asserting that no development scheme should be executed without the full consent of those whose land is involved.
Protests Gain Momentum Across Punjab
The tractor march is part of a series of escalating protests that have been brewing over the past few weeks. On-ground reports suggest that the demonstration was largely peaceful but highly charged, with many participants expressing deep distrust in the current state leadership’s handling of land-related policies.
Protesting farmers also criticized the lack of consultation and transparency from the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) and demanded a white paper detailing the policy’s implications. “This is not land pooling, it’s land looting,” one of the farmers declared during the protest.
What the Government Says
Despite the backlash, the AAP government has defended its land pooling policy as a progressive model, inspired by urban planning strategies used in other Indian states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Officials argue that the policy will modernize urban infrastructure, offer farmers developed plots in return, and provide better compensation compared to traditional land acquisition.
However, critics argue that the fine print of the policy doesn’t safeguard the long-term interests of small and marginal farmers, who might lose their only means of livelihood.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress, have seized the moment to slam the AAP administration. Former Punjab CM Sukhbir Singh Badal called the policy “anti-farmer” and accused the government of betraying the very community that powered them to victory.
The protest also drew the attention of farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, who warned the government against ignoring grassroots voices. “If the AAP fails to listen to farmers today, they will be forced to answer in the next election,” he said.
The Bigger Picture: Punjab’s Agrarian Anxiety
Punjab’s farmers have been at the center of national attention since the historic 2020–21 protests against the now-repealed farm laws. Their opposition to the land pooling policy is emblematic of deeper fears around land security, urbanisation pressures, and diminishing agricultural returns.
Experts warn that policies that fail to incorporate farmer perspectives will only widen the trust deficit between the rural population and the state. “Land is not just property in Punjab—it’s identity, legacy, and livelihood,” said an agricultural policy analyst. “Ignoring that reality could lead to prolonged social unrest.”
What’s Next?
While the state government has yet to announce any rollback or amendment to the policy, pressure is mounting. Farmer unions have warned of intensifying their agitation in the coming weeks if their demands are not met. Some have hinted at staging a dharna outside the Chief Minister’s residence, while others are planning district-level road blockades.
The government, on its part, has indicated willingness to hold discussions with farmer representatives, but no official meeting has been scheduled yet.
As the political heat rises, all eyes are on how the AAP government navigates this latest challenge from Punjab’s ever-vocal and politically assertive farming community.
Photo Credit: HT
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