Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike at the Punjab-Haryana border on Friday reached a critical stage as it entered its 18th day. Dallewal, who has been spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0’ at the Khanauri border to press for 13 key demands, including guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, is facing severe health complications.
Senior farmer leaders from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), including Bharatiya Kisan Union’s (BKU) Rakesh Tikait, joined the protest on Friday, expressing solidarity with Dallewal and urging the Central Government to act swiftly to address farmers’ grievances. Dallewal's protest has become a symbol of resilience, but his supporters have now been urging him to prioritize his health.
Observing fast since November 26, Dallewal’s health has been declining alarmingly. Doctors, including specialists from the US – who has been monitoring his health since Day 1, have reported that he has lost 12 kilograms, his blood pressure and sugar levels are critically low, and his kidneys and liver are at risk of damage. As a cancer patient, his vulnerability is heightened, with the possibility of a heart attack looming. Despite these warnings, Dallewal remains steadfast in his resolve, insisting that he will not end his hunger strike until the demands are met.
SKM leaders, including prominent face Rakesh Tikait, BKU (Lakhowal) general secretary Harinder Singh Lakhowal, and BKU (Dakaunda) president Manjit Singh Dhaner, among others, visited Dallewal at the protest site.
Hailing Dallewal’s determination, Tikait said: “Sikhism is rooted in sacrifice, and Dallewal is upholding that tradition. It’s time for the Government to wake up to the plight of farmers.” The leaders called for unity among farmers’ groups and hinted at the possibility of escalating the protest, including a plan to encircle Delhi via the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway if the demands remain unaddressed.
Lakhowal revealed that SKM has convened an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss Dallewal’s health and strategize the next steps. “Our paths may differ, but our demands align,” he said, underscoring the need for collective action.
The agitation has drawn support from various quarters, including AAP MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon and leaders from over 100 farmer unions affiliated with SKM (non-political), the forum led by Dallewal. Religious gatherings at the protest site have bolstered morale, while security has been tightened to ensure Dallewal’s safety. Farmers’ appeals for larger public participation have intensified, with calls for prayers and solidarity marches.
Concerns over Dallewal’s deteriorating health have intensified, drawing attention to the need for a unified front among farmer organizations. Leaders acknowledged that fragmented efforts by different groups may deter the Central Government from engaging in meaningful dialogue, while calling for a more “unified” effort. A key farmer leader Buta Singh Sadipur has mobilized his supporters from Samana to Khanauri, and joined the protestors at Shambhu border.
Sadipur, speaking about the pressing need for farmer solidarity, emphasized, “Unity is the need of the hour. Only a united front can compel the Central Government to heed our demands.” Also criticizing the Punjab Government for its inaction, he said: “No concrete steps have been taken to address the farmers' concerns or to end Dallewal's hunger strike.”
Amid mounting pressure, farmer organizations plan to convene at the Khanauri border soon to deliberate on future strategies. Many believed that a unified movement could strengthen their position, paving the way for negotiations with both state and central governments.
Govt’s Response
Efforts to mediate have gained urgency. Ambala Deputy Commissioner has written to his Sangrur counterpart urging immediate medical intervention for Dallewal to prevent any adverse impact on the ongoing protest and maintain law and order. A day before, Dallewal himself escalated his demands by sending a “blood-signed” letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring it his first and last appeal.
Dallewal’s protest is rooted in the larger struggle for farmers’ rights that gained momentum during the 2020-21 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. Despite differences in strategy, his demands echo those of SKM, including debt waivers, pension schemes, and robust MSP guarantees. The rift between Dallewal and SKM’s political arm has not diminished mutual respect, with leaders from both factions acknowledging his contributions to the farmers’ movement.
The hunger strike has reignited debates on farmers’ issues, with SKM’s Tikait hinting at another mass mobilization to pressure the government. “The battle is far from over,” Tikait said, warning of renewed protests that could rival the scale of the previous Delhi border demonstrations.
SC’s Intervention
Amid growing concerns over Dallewal’s health, the Supreme Court on Friday issued stern directions to the Punjab and Central Governments emphasizing that the farmer leader’s life is of utmost importance. The Apex Court directed immediate medical assistance to be provided to Dallewal, while cautioning the authorities against using force to end his hunger strike, urging both the Central and Punjab Governments to ensure peace and avoid any escalation of the situation.
