Farmers rally in protest of land pooling policy in Ludhiana
The rally was organised under the leadership of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), with a united call to protect the state's fertile agricultural land from being handed over to corporate interests.
The rally was held at the grain market in Jodhan, drawing large crowds of farmers who arrived in tractors, buses, cars, and motorcycles. The gathering disrupted traffic on roads leading from Raikot to Ludhiana and Mandi Ahmedgarh to Jodhan, forcing commuters to seek alternate routes.
Authorities tightened security arrangements in and around the venue.
Prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who addressed the rally, accused the Punjab government of siding with corporate houses. He described the proposed land pooling policy as a "black law" aimed at transferring over 65,000 acres of fertile agricultural land—used for growing wheat, paddy, and vegetables—to private corporations. Dallewal warned that the policy could precipitate a severe food crisis.
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"This is not just about land—this is about our survival, our future generations, and food security. The government is bypassing the Land Acquisition Act and bringing in land pooling to benefit big businesses," said Dallewal.
Farmer leaders argued that this policy was part of a broader strategy by both state and central governments to weaken the farming community. Drawing parallels with the now-repealed farm laws, they said this was another indirect attempt to take control of farmers' livelihoods and resources.
They also criticised the track record of land pooling policies implemented in the past. According to the speakers, numerous plots acquired by the Punjab government decades ago remain undeveloped, and original landowners have not yet received compensation or the promised residential plots. Many of these farmers, they claimed, have been pushed to the brink of poverty—some even forced to take up jobs like hawking or working as security guards to survive.
The rally served as a launchpad for a series of upcoming protests. Leaders announced that on August 16, a larger gathering would be held at Baba Bakala in Amritsar to intensify the movement. On August 25, farmer unions from across India will converge in Delhi for a one-day peaceful protest, demanding that the Centre respect their rights and fulfill promises made during earlier agitations.
Farm leaders thanked local residents for organising langar (community meals) during the rally.
Speakers at the event came from various states, representing different farmer organisations, including Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) factions from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Those who addressed the rally included Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Satnam Singh Behru, and representatives of unions like BKU Ekta Sidhupur, BKU Mahatma Tikait, and the Doaba Farmers Welfare Committee.
The demands raised at the rally included:
Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report
Complete farm debt waiver
Restoration of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013
Withdrawal of police cases filed during the previous farmers' movement
Rollback of Free Trade Agreements harmful to farmers
Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in Uttar Pradesh
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