SAD Stages Protest Against Mohali Land Policy

Mohali The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) took to the streets on Saturday in Mohali, staging a major demonstration against the Punjab government’s controversial land pooling policy. The protest witnessed a large gathering of SAD leaders, workers, and supporters who marched through the city to voice their dissent. The protest, which was spearheaded by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, highlighted what the opposition party calls a “direct attack on farmers’ rights and landowners’ dignity.”

The land pooling policy, as proposed by the state government, has been facing intense backlash from several quarters, particularly from farmers and rural landowners. According to the SAD, the policy is not only ambiguous but also threatens the livelihood and ownership rights of small landholders. “The government wants to snatch land under the guise of development. But we will not let this injustice happen,” Sukhbir Badal declared in his speech during the protest.

Wearing black turbans and holding placards with slogans like “Kisan Virodhi Sarkar Murdabad” (Down with anti-farmer government), protesters gathered in large numbers near the district administrative complex in Mohali. Many of them had travelled from villages across Punjab to show solidarity.

The SAD also accused the government of lacking transparency. “No public consultations were held, and the landowners were kept in the dark,” said a protesting party worker. The protest also included symbolic gestures such as laying empty farming tools and wearing black badges to symbolize the death of agricultural independence.

As emotions ran high, the demonstration remained peaceful, though heavily guarded by police to ensure law and order. Authorities had set up barricades to manage the crowd, and traffic diversions were issued in nearby routes.

The protest comes at a politically sensitive time as the state gears up for the next round of local body elections. Observers believe this could be a strategic move by SAD to reignite its rural voter base and strengthen its political positioning ahead of the polls.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has defended the land pooling policy, calling it a “visionary plan” aimed at urban development and better infrastructure. Officials claim that under the new policy, landowners would benefit from higher land values after development, along with compensation. However, many in the farming community are unconvinced.

As the protest concluded in the afternoon, Sukhbir Badal reiterated SAD’s commitment to protecting farmer rights. “We will continue this struggle in the assembly, on the streets, and in every court of justice if needed,” he said. The demonstration ended with chants of unity and a call for statewide awareness against the policy.