Ludhiana, Jun 13: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh on Friday came down heavily on the Bhagwant Mann government for what he termed “unconstitutional” and “anti-farmer” policies, including the land pooling scheme. He demanded that the scheme be withdrawn immediately.
During his campaign in Ludhiana East Assembly segments, Chugh met with farmer delegations, especially from 37 villages affected by the land pooling scheme. He was handed a detailed memorandum by the farmers, seeking urgent intervention and protection of their land rights, a statement issued here said.
Chugh claimed that over 24,000 acres of farmland across these 37 villages have been brought under this controversial land pooling policy, which he alleged is a systematic attempt to push urbanisation at the cost of agriculture.
“Instead of giving direct compensation, the government is offering a fraction of the acquired land back to farmers, forcing them to depend on market forces and speculative buyers. This is nothing but a land-grab operation disguised as policy. It is unconstitutional and unjust to the farmers of Punjab,” he said.
He further warned that more than 20% of urban land in Punjab already lies unsold due to poor planning and governance. “When previous urban expansion schemes have failed, what guarantees do small farmers—who make up over 80% of Punjab’s landholders—have that they won’t be cheated again?” he asked.
Taking direct aim at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the BJP leader said the AAP government has no roadmap or policy for farmers. “From farm loan waivers to MSP top-ups, every promise made by Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann before the 2022 elections stands broken. Not a single loan has been waived. Not a single crop received any top-up support,” he said.
Chugh accused CM Mann of acting as a host and protector of Kejriwal and his coterie of bail-bound leaders, saying Punjab’s farmers continue to suffer under his “misrule”.
The programme was organised by senior BJP leader Vikram Sidhhu in Ludhiana West constituency in support of BJP Candidate Jeevan Gupta, where by-elections are scheduled for June 19. Chugh’s meeting drew large participation from affected villages and farming groups.
Chugh added, “The people of Ludhiana and Punjab are fed up with the betrayal of AAP and Congress. They will give a decisive mandate in the upcoming by-poll and in 2027 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, who have always stood by the farmers of this nation.”
