Lucky Bansal joins Aam Aadmi Party along with associates in Ludhiana.
Ludhiana: In a significant political defection ahead of the Ludhiana West byelection, Lucky Bansal, a close associate of Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday along with several supporters.
Bansal, a prominent figure from Ward Number 63, was welcomed into the party by Punjab AAP working president Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi at a public event attended by MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi, Kuljit Randhawa, Kulwant Sidhu, and senior party member Sharanpal Makkar. Among those who joined Bansal in switching allegiance were Kapil Gupta, Sonia Gupta, Sonu Nagpal, Kapila, Dr Siddharth, and a dozen-odd others. Kalsi said the group had decided to break ranks with the Congress due to growing dissatisfaction with Ashu's leadership style and working methods.
Land-pooling debate heats up
On the sidelines of the induction, Kalsi also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Punjab govt's land pooling policy. He took a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, claiming their opposition stemmed from losing control over lucrative land dealings. "Only Akali leaders are upset because their land mafia networks are no longer benefiting. Farmers have no issue with the policy — it ensures land ownership and happens only with their consent," Kalsi said.
He added that under the new scheme, farmers will receive 1,000 square yards of residential and 200 square yards of commercial land for each acquired acre, with values projected to quadruple. In addition, farmers are set to receive ₹30,000 for each acre annually for the three-year development period. The policy has become a flashpoint between AAP and its political rivals, particularly the Akali Dal and Congress, amid the high-stakes by-election campaign.
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