Ahmedabad : On the second day of the Gujarat Assembly session, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Visavadar, Gopal Italia, held a press conference at the assembly premises to express his concerns regarding a bill that amends the Saurashtra Kharif Ganot Act.
The bill, which was passed in the assembly, aims to regulate the purchase of agricultural land by non-farmers. Italia noted that approximately 90% of people in his Visavadar constituency are engaged in farming, and he sought to ensure that farmers are not deprived of their land due to misuse of the law.
He explained that under the existing law since 1948, non-farmers are prohibited from buying agricultural land. However, in Gujarat, some individuals have allegedly misrepresented themselves as farmers to acquire agricultural land with illegal or unaccounted income, leading to speculation and unfair practices in the agricultural sector.
આમ આદમી પાર્ટીના વિસાવદર વિધાનસભાના ધારાસભ્ય @Gopal_Italia એ આજે વિધાનસભામાં મહત્વપૂર્ણ બાબતો પર સરકારને પ્રશ્નો પૂછ્યા જેનો સરકારે શું જવાબ આપ્યો તે સાંભળો‼️ pic.twitter.com/UT9Gw8A9HP
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) February 18, 2026
The bill includes a provision for imposing a fine three times the market value on anyone who illegally purchases agricultural land. Italia proposed amendments to strengthen the bill, stating that in addition to the fine, government officials who falsely certify non-farmers as legitimate landholders should also face penalties. He expressed disappointment that the government did not accept his proposal.
AAP MLA Gopal Italia Suggests Strict Measures to Prevent Illegal Agricultural Land Purchases
Gopal Italia further suggested that non-farmers who illegally purchase agricultural land should never be allowed to become legitimate landholders in the future, in order to prevent recurrence of such violations.
The MLA Gopal Italia, acting as an opposition leader, registered his protest against the bill, stating that the ruling government’s majority passed the legislation despite concerns that it could harm farmers, agricultural labourers, and genuine landowners. He warned that if the government does not show sensitivity toward farmers’ rights, it could lead to significant problems for landholders and farm workers in the future.
Italia concluded by urging the government to consider reintroducing the bill with stricter provisions to punish illegal activities and protect farmers’ interests.