Farmers’ Victory in Punjab: AAP Government Withdraws Contentious Land Pooling Policy

Punjab: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab government has been forced to officially withdraw their

controversial Land Pooling Policy 2025, following months of intense protests and resistance by the farmers of Punjab. The policy, which sought to acquire 65,000 acres of agricultural land for urban development through direct purchase and pooling, has now been rolled back.

This victory comes after a widespread campaign led by farmers under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), including a major tractor parade on July 30, in which farmers talked about the potential harm to farmers' livelihoods and food security. The policy was accused of serving real estate interests under the guise of development.

A formal notification to withdraw the land acquisition was issued, marking a clear victory for those opposing forced land deals and corporate encroachment on farmland. To celebrate, SKM’s Punjab unit will organise a Victory Rally on August 24 in Samrala, and has called on farmers across India to observe Victory Day in their villages to honour the strength and persistence of Punjab farmers

Farmers of Karnataka

This victory follows another significant achievement by farmers in Devanahalli, Karnataka, where the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government was forced to de-notify 1,777 acres of fertile agricultural land from acquisition. Farmers in the region fought for over three years, demonstrating unwavering determination to protect their land from being taken over for industrial and infrastructural projects.

The back-to-back wins in Punjab and Karnataka have given a strong boost to the nationwide farmers’ movement, reinforcing belief in collective struggle and grassroots resistance.

While farmers celebrate in Punjab and Karnataka, tension is building in Haryana, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government has issued a new notification for land pooling of 35,500 acres of agricultural land. SKM has strongly condemned the move, accusing the government of pushing real estate interests and violating the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR) 2013, which protects the rights of farmers and landholders.

Protesting Haryana Farmers

SKM has warned that if the Haryana government does not withdraw the notification, the state will see massive and widespread struggles similar to those that unfolded in Punjab.

SKM reminded the public of earlier national-level struggles, particularly the one that blocked the Modi government’s Land Acquisition Ordinance in 2014, which aimed to dilute the LARR Act. Though the ordinance failed to pass into law, many BJP-led state governments later introduced state-level amendments and policies favouring corporate land acquisition.

Today, farmers are protesting forced acquisition and inadequate compensation at over 900 locations across the country, fighting state policies that disregard the 2013 law meant to safeguard their rights.

SKM’s Call to Action

SKM has had extended full support to all ongoing land rights movements and called upon the farmers of the country to stay united in resisting state and corporate attempts to take over fertile land.