Aap Leader Baltej Pannu Attacks Sukhbir Badal: He’s Worried About His Favoured Builders, Not Farmers

With the Land Pooling Scheme, Their Builders Won't Get a Chance to Develop Colonies: Baltej Pannu

The Aam Aadmi Party issued a sharp rebuttal to Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal over his remarks regarding the Land Pooling Scheme in Ludhiana. AAP leader Baltej Pannu stated that Badal is not concerned about the farmers but is instead worried about his favoured builders. He added that Badal’s comments are an attempt to protect those builders.

Raising questions, Baltej Pannu asked, “If Sukhbir Badal truly cared about the farmers, why didn’t he oppose the black farm laws in the beginning?” He reminded everyone that Badal’s father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was a Cabinet Minister in the Modi government at the time, were vocal supporters of the three black laws and even made videos praising them. “It was only when the people of Punjab put immense pressure on them that they reluctantly began opposing those laws,” Pannu said.

Pannu explained that the Land Pooling Scheme introduced by the AAP government is causing discomfort to Badal because it will deprive his close builder associates of the opportunity to develop private colonies. Providing evidence, Pannu said, “A few days ago, Sukhbir Badal himself admitted that due to the bypass he initiated, Manpreet Ayali became so wealthy.”

Pannu further challenged Sukhbir Badal, asking him to disclose how many individuals, apart from Ayali, became rich due to the highways and policies implemented during the Akali regime. “At the same time, he should also reveal whether any of their land-related policies ever benefited an ordinary person,” he added.

Pannu accused Sukhbir Badal of misleading people about the Land Pooling Scheme. He clarified that this scheme is designed to benefit ordinary farmers and that no land will be forcibly taken from anyone. Farmers can voluntarily offer their land for the scheme. Those who choose to participate will receive 1,000 square yards of residential plots and 200 square yards of commercial plots per acre. The value of these plots is expected to increase by at least five times within the next four to five years.