All-Party Unity Against Land Pooling Plan

In a serious political blow to Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), all major Opposition parties in the state have announced full support for the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and its protest against the government’s land pooling policy.

This rare political consensus brings together long-time rivals, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the SKM, who had clashed during the 2020 farm laws protest. Now, they have joined forces to resist the state’s push to acquire over 65,000 acres of farmland under the “voluntary” land pooling scheme.

BJP and SKM End Years of Tension

During an all-party meeting held at Kisan Bhavan, BJP leaders Subhash Sharma and Kewal Singh Dhillon assured SKM of full support. They criticized the AAP government’s policy, calling it harmful for both Punjab’s environment and its agrarian economy. They also offered to coordinate with the Central Government to ensure the farmers’ concerns are heard.

“We were the first to raise our voice against the land pooling scheme. It’s anti-farmer and pro-real estate,” said BJP representatives.

Political Parties Stand United – Except AAP

Leaders from 10 political parties attended the SKM-convened meeting, excluding the AAP. These parties condemned the policy, stating that it would displace farmers and allow outsiders to exploit Punjab’s agricultural land for urbanisation and commercial projects.

They claimed that the land acquisition could be used as collateral by the government to raise international funds, potentially putting farmers’ futures at risk.

One leader summed up the mood:

“Policies are being made by outsiders, not for the people of Punjab. What happens when a new government comes in 2027? Who will guarantee the farmers get their promised plots?”

Protests Scheduled Across Punjab

The SKM-led protest will kick off with tractor rallies across villages on July 30. Farmers and Opposition leaders have shared their planned protest dates, aiming to put maximum pressure on the government to roll back the land pooling initiative.

🔑 Key Highlights:

• 65,500 acres of land targeted under the land pooling policy

• All major political parties except AAP oppose the move

• SKM to begin mass protests from July 30

• BJP-SKM alliance resurfaces after 5 years