The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has strongly cautioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab against proceeding with the sale of valuable state-owned properties merely to generate short-term revenue at the behest of its Delhi leadership. NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal expressed deep concern over what he termed a “disturbing and reckless move” that puts Punjab’s public assets at risk of being sold off for political and financial gain.
Chahal noted with alarm that the list of properties earmarked for auction includes the modern fruit and vegetable market spread over 12 acres in Mohali — a major project developed under the visionary leadership of former Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal to benefit the farming community and boost agricultural trade in the region.
He further pointed out that several other important government lands are being considered for sale, including the Printing Press Colony in Patiala (8 acres), the Printing Press Site (10 acres) and Veterinary Hospital Land (2.27 acres) in Ludhiana, the Sheron Sugar Mill in Tarn Taran (89 acres), and the PWD Guest House in Gurdaspur (1.75 acres). “These properties are not mere pieces of real estate; they are part of Punjab’s legacy and serve the collective interests of the people,” Chahal emphasised.
Chahal warned that any attempt to auction these assets would be seen as a betrayal of Punjab’s people and their trust. “The AAP government must stop treating Punjab’s land as a commodity to be traded for political convenience. These properties belong to the citizens of Punjab — not to fill the coffers of AAP’s Delhi-based leadership,” he stated.
NAPA urged the Punjab government to immediately withdraw any such plans and to prioritise long-term development, public welfare, and transparency over opportunistic financial decisions. “Selling Punjab’s heritage and public property is not governance — it is exploitation,” Chahal concluded, reaffirming NAPA’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s resources and interests.