In Chandigarh on Saturday, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal criticized Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its plan to sell state land to raise quick cash.
Badal, who launched 25 trolleys of maize silage for villages hit by floods in the Fazilka district, said the inclusion of the modern fruit and vegetable market in Mohali on the auction list was shocking. The market, a 12‑acre property built by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, already houses active shops that were auctioned a year ago by the Mandi Board.
“We will not allow this to happen at any cost,” Badal told reporters. “Shops are already running here. Now the board wants to cancel the auction and snatch the livelihood of the shopkeepers.”
He pointed out other government sites that could face auction, including the Printing Press Colony in Patiala (8 acres), the Printing Press site (10 acres), the Veterinary Hospital land in Ludhiana (2.27 acres), the Sheron sugar mill in Tarn Taran (89 acres) and the PWD Guest House in Gurdaspur (1.75 acres).
“These properties will be sold to favourites for an underhanded consideration,” Badal warned, claiming the lands belong to the people of Punjab and should not be used to fill Delhi’s AAP coffers. He accused the AAP government of misusing a Rs 12 000‑crore Central fund kept in the State Disaster Response Fund and said they now wish to raise more money by selling public assets.
During the visit, Badal stopped in flood‑affected villages of Sabuana, Mahatam Nagar and Jhangar Bhaini. Farmers there complained that the AAP government had delayed relief and had not released the Rs 20 000‑per‑acre crop‑damage compensation announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “Farmers are in a dire state,” Badal said. “They lack the funds to clear sand from their fields and plant the next wheat crop.”
The SAD leader expects the AAP government to reassess its land‑sale plans and address the financial and relief concerns of Punjab’s farmers.
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