Opposition Accuses Punjab Government of ‘Cash-for-Favors’ in Cricket Land Deal

In a sharply worded statement on Friday, the Punjab BJP highlighted what it described as a profit‑driven exploitation of farmers through the Punjab Cricket Association’s recent land purchase. The BJP chief, Keval Singh Dhillon, referred to a correspondence from the Enforcement Directorate addressed to the Mohali senior superintendent of police, urging an FIR against the alleged offenders.

The party pointed out that the PCA, under the leadership of its president and his son—senior members of the ruling AAP—bought agricultural land at rock‑bottom rates and then sold it back to itself at a fifteen‑fold increase. Specifically, the PCA secured 155 kanals 15 marla in Ajana for Rs 58 crore and 100 kanals 10 marla in Bathinda for Rs 19.76 crore, after private firms had purchased the same plots for a fraction of that amount.

Dhillon demanded an immediate explanation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on how such a rapid price surge could be justified, and called for a strict, deadline‑driven inquiry. He emphasized that the alleged misappropriation not only violates the principle of fair land pricing but also tarnishes the promise of a farmer‑friendly "Punjab model."