AAP Leader Gurpreet Tharaj Resigns Over Policy

Punjab In a major political development that highlights growing unrest within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, senior party leader Gurpreet Singh Tharaj has resigned from his post in protest against the controversial land pooling policy. His resignation follows a similar move by another prominent leader, Diadarewala, who had earlier stepped down citing farmer dissatisfaction with the policy. The mounting opposition to this policy is now leading to visible cracks within the party, particularly from members with a strong base among the farming community.

Tharaj, known for his close connect with grassroots workers and farmer groups, has openly criticized the land pooling model introduced by the government, which aims to consolidate land holdings for urban development projects. While the government claims that this model will ensure better infrastructure, fair compensation, and modern urban planning, a large section of farmers remains unconvinced.

Speaking after his resignation, Tharaj stated that the policy is anti-farmer in spirit and execution. “This is not what we promised when we came to power. The voices of those who work the land are being ignored. As someone who represents them, I cannot stay silent,” he said. His decision to leave his post is being seen as a reflection of the growing internal dissent within AAP’s Punjab unit, which is under pressure to retain its credibility among the state’s large agrarian population.

Farmers have held multiple protests against the land pooling policy, expressing concerns that the initiative could lead to loss of land ownership, unfair compensation, and long-term displacement. For many, the land is not just an asset but an emotional legacy passed down through generations. Tharaj’s resignation echoes this sentiment and underlines the disconnect between the party’s policy decisions and the expectations of its core support base.

Political analysts suggest that AAP, which rose to prominence in Punjab on the promise of clean governance and strong farmer support, is now at a crossroads. “This resignation is not just a policy disagreement, it is a signal that the party needs to revisit its approach if it wants to maintain its base in rural Punjab,” said one analyst.

The issue also carries weight in the backdrop of past farmer agitations in the region, especially those surrounding the contentious farm laws that were later repealed. With memories of those protests still fresh, any policy perceived to be against farmers is met with suspicion and resistance. Tharaj’s stand may now encourage others in the party to voice their concerns, potentially leading to further upheaval.

Despite assurances from the Punjab government that no land will be acquired forcefully and that farmers will benefit from the developments, the trust deficit remains wide. The resignation of two senior leaders over the same issue within a short span is bound to impact the party’s image.

As of now, the Aam Aadmi Party has not issued an official response to Tharaj’s resignation. However, insiders suggest that party leadership may soon call for internal discussions to address the growing backlash and attempt to rebuild confidence among its members and supporters.

The unfolding events signal more than just a political shift — they highlight the deep-rooted importance of land in Punjab’s social and economic fabric. Whether AAP can navigate this storm without further damage remains to be seen.