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HARISH MANAV/ THE NEWS DOSE.COM

Chandigarh, In a major political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government has decided to withdraw its contentious land pooling policy following months of sustained agitation by farmer unions and opposition parties. The decision is being hailed as a significant victory for the protesting farmers, with political observers noting its potential electoral impact ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, now just 17 months away.

The policy, which had been notified earlier this year, aimed at acquiring 65,533 acres of land for various development projects. Critics alleged it was framed in haste without adequate consultations, especially on critical aspects like social impact assessment and environmental implications. Last month, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had granted an interim stay on the policy, pointing out procedural lapses, with the next hearing scheduled for September 10.

Farmer Mobilisation and Political Realignments

Farmer unions, particularly the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)—the umbrella body that spearheaded the historic 2020-21 farmers’ movement against the Centre’s now-repealed farm laws—played a key role in resisting the policy. Protests in rural Punjab triggered motorcycle rallies and large-scale mobilisations, led by groups like the Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee (KMSC).

KMSC leader Sarwan Singh Pandher welcomed the decision but remained cautious. “This is a victory for farmers, farm labourers, and all stakeholders. However, we demand a categorical assurance from the government that the policy will not be reintroduced in any form,” he said.

Agrarian activist Dr Darshan Pal criticised the government for ignoring farming experts and stakeholders before announcing such a major policy. “Punjab is already in the midst of a severe agrarian crisis. Instead of consultation, the government tried to bulldoze its way. This exposes AAP’s governance approach in the state,” he said, adding that farm bodies will continue to monitor the government’s stance.

Opposition Claims Moral Win

The policy’s rollback has energised the opposition. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Raja Warring termed the move as “the outcome of interference by Delhi-based AAP leadership” and demanded accountability. “Lakhs of rupees from the state exchequer were wasted on promoting a policy that was flawed from the outset. Those responsible—political leaders and bureaucrats alike—must face consequences,” he said.

Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma alleged that the land pooling policy was part of a “Delhi-based land mafia’s attempt to grab farmers’ land,” adding that “public unity thwarted the conspiracy.”

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal went a step further, accusing the AAP government of trying to collect ₹30,000 crore from Delhi-based builders “to expand the party nationally.” He said, “The policy was nothing but a land-grab in the guise of development, and its scrapping is a win for every Punjabi.”

2027 Assembly Elections in Sight

Political analysts say the withdrawal comes at a time when the ruling AAP faces mounting rural discontent and an energised opposition. The protests not only revived the dormant farm unions but also brought unlikely political alignments—such as BJP leaders standing alongside farmer bodies—bridging divides created during the earlier farm law protests.

With the High Court set to hear the case in September, farmers say they will keep the pressure on until a formal, unconditional notification of cancellation is issued. As Punjab heads toward an intense pre-election phase of 2027 assembly elections, the episode has already become a rallying point for opposition unity and rural mobilisation against the AAP government.