AAP’s Land Pooling Policy Backfires in Punjab — Will It Dent Its ‘Badlav’ Image?

The last one month has been tough for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. Its much-hyped Land Pooling Policy, launched in the name of planned urbanisation, triggered a massive political storm and widespread farmers’ protests. Now that the policy stands withdrawn, big questions remain as why did farmers see it as a threat to their very existence ? Was it truly about planned urban development and economic empowerment of farmers as the government claimed — or just a land grabbing scam, as the opposition alleged? And most importantly, what does this rollback mean for AAP’s image — especially with the Punjab Assembly Elections in February 2027 not too far away, and the Tarn Taran by-election just around the corner? Watch this ground report from The Wire's Vivek Gupta explaining insights into government and opposition claims, and point of view of farmers, political analysts, and economists Join The Wire's Youtube Membership and get exclusive content, member-only emojis, live interaction with The Wire's founders, editors and reporters and much more. Memberships to The Wire Crew start at Rs 89/month.    / @thewirenews