BJP delegation calls on Governor, objects to state’s land pooling policy

A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum opposing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s land pooling policy, which they alleged is aimed at destroying agriculture in the state.

The delegation, led by BJP’s young leader Manraj Chhina, included Manjit Singh Manna, Amarpal Singh Boni Ajnala, Sushil Devgan and Mukhwinder Singh Rajasansi. After the meeting, Chhina said that the Punjab government is forcefully acquiring cultivable land on the pretext of land pooling. He raised concerns that in Amritsar district alone, over 4,400 acres of agricultural land have been affected, with the total figure exceeding 75,000 acres across the state.

Manraj Chhina questioned, “If the occupation of cultivable land continues, how the food suppliers will continue with agricultural practices?” He accused the state government of siding with land and real estate mafia and claimed that such policies, allegedly implemented under Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s directions, are pushing Punjab’s agriculture sector towards a stage of collapse.

Earlier, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh held a meeting with farmer representatives at the Art Gallery in Amritsar, under the leadership of senior leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina. Both leaders assured that the BJP would escalate this issue and fight for farmers’ interests. They emphasised that the central leadership of the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, stood by Punjab’s farmers.

Chhina also said that while farmers are already struggling due to unpredictable weather conditions, the Punjab government’s policies are further endangering their livelihood. He criticised the alleged favouritism of the real estate sector at the cost of Punjab’s agricultural future.

According to Chhina, Governor Kataria assured the BJP delegation that farmers’ lands will not be forcibly acquired and promised that he would intervene to prevent any harmful decisions by the state government.

Amritsar