Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0 — the ongoing farmers’ protests at the Punjab-Haryana borders since February — has entered a pivotal phase with senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike crossing 29 days on Tuesday at the Khanauri border. Despite his frail condition and deteriorating health, Dallewal remained resolute in his demand for a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops — a key issue that has reignited nationwide attention, while giving farmers a call to stand united.

As the farmers’ movements gain momentum, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) — the pan-India farmers’ body that led the 2020 farmers’ agitation against Centre’s three farm laws — has, as of now, decided to refrain from directly joining the ongoing protest, while pledging to intensify efforts for unity and dialogue. A meeting with the President or Union Agriculture Minister is slated for early January to push forward their demands.

Meanwhile, a Punjab-wide shutdown has been announced for December 30, with detailed planning underway to ensure widespread participation while safeguarding essential services. A meeting, to decide the strategy, is slated for December 26.

Dallewal, despite his frail health and after losing over 15 kilograms during the 29 days of his hunger strike, on Tuesday addressed the gathered farmers from a specially-arranged stage. Expressing his unwavering determination, Dallewal said: “This fight is for every farmer in the country. We must stand together to ensure that the government cannot ignore us” — emphasizing the need for solidarity across states.

“I want to tell all of you that I am alright…We have to win this battle. This battle will be won only if the whole country fights unitedly…I want that the government should not be able to evict us from here at any cost. If it is not able to do so, then either we will win or die, one of two things will happen,” said the 70-year-old in his over two-minute-long speech.

The protest, organized under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) — led by Dallewal; and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) — led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, has seen farmers camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, following repeated blockades preventing their march to Delhi.

Despite setbacks, the movement’s spirit remained undeterred, with nationwide candlelight marches on Tuesday evening, and solidarity initiatives highlighting the farmers' demands for justice and dignity.

Dallewal’s hunger strike, which began on November 26, revolved around securing a legal framework for MSP, a demand central to ensuring economic security for farmers and shielding them from market volatility. His hunger strike, however, has taken a severe toll on his health. Doctors monitoring the 70-year-old leader have raised alarms over high ketone levels, compromised immunity, and the risk of cardiac arrest.

“The hunger strike has severely weakened his immune system, making him susceptible to infection. His vital organs, including his liver and kidneys, are also showing signs of strain,” said one of the doctors attending him.

SKM leaders, including Prem Singh Bhangu, have condemned the “stubborn” stance of both the Central and Punjab Governments, accusing them of ignoring farmers’ legitimate grievances. Bhangu announced plans to meet the President or Agriculture Minister in January to discuss the MSP issue and other critical concerns. “Efforts for unity among farmers continue,” Bhangu stated, underscoring the importance of a cohesive approach to amplify their demands.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also called on the Central Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the farmers. Criticizing the government’s inaction, Mann remarked, “If Prime Minister Modi can mediate between Russia and Ukraine, why can’t he address the concerns of farmers just 200 kilometers away?” He further compared the government’s behaviour to a pigeon closing its eyes to an approaching cat, urging immediate action to resolve the impasse.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal shifted the onus onto Mann, suggesting that the Chief Minister should facilitate talks between the farmers and the Central Government. However, Mann’s appeals for dialogue appear to have gained limited traction at the national level.

The farmers’ protest has received significant support from various quarters. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami also visited Dallewal at the Khanauri border, extending prayers and solidarity. Across the country, a candlelight march was organized on Tuesday evening to rally public awareness and support for the farmers’ cause. These gestures of solidarity have further strengthened the movement’s resolve.

Punjab Bandh on Dec 30

On December 26, a strategic meeting was planned at Khanauri, bringing together trade unions, social and religious organizations, and taxi unions to finalize preparations for the Punjab shutdown. Scheduled for December 30, the strike will exclude essential services such as medical and emergency facilities but will see other activities suspended from 7 am to 4 pm. Organizers hope the strike will draw significant attention to the farmers’ plight and pressurize the government to act.

The current agitation follows the landmark 2020-21 farmers' protests, during which nationwide mobilization compelled the government to repeal three contentious farm laws. However, the demand for a legally guaranteed MSP remains unresolved. Critics argued that without this guarantee, farmers remain vulnerable to market exploitation and economic instability, undermining their livelihoods.

Dallewal’s pivotal role in both the earlier protests and the current movement has made him a symbol of the farmers’ fight for justice. His appeal for nationwide unity — “This battle can only be won if we stand together” — has resonated deeply among farmers and supporters alike. Farmers from Haryana have already joined their Punjab counterparts, adding weight to the movement’s demands.

Punjab CM Slams Modi Govt for Ignoring Farmers’ Plight, Urges Immediate Dialogue

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday strongly criticized the Narendra Modi-led Union Government for its “step-motherly treatment” towards farmers, accusing it of ignoring their legitimate demands.

In a scathing statement, Mann lamented that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems more focused on portraying himself as a “global leader”, intervening in international crises like the Russia-Ukraine war, while remaining apathetic to the struggles of India's food growers. 

Mann underscored the crucial role farmers have played in making India self-reliant in food production. “When the country faced a severe food production crisis, it was the relentless efforts of our farmers, particularly those from Punjab, that ensured the nation’s food security,” he said. The Chief Minister highlighted the sacrifices made by farmers, including the overexploitation of fertile soil and water resources, to fill the national food pool. Despite these contributions, the Union government has shown hostility toward farmers and refused to even engage in dialogue with those protesting just 200 kilometers from the national capital. 

Calling the government’s approach “deplorable”, Mann accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing his global image over the needs of India’s citizens. He described the Union government's refusal to meet with agitating farmers as a reflection of its “haughty attitude” and urged it to shed its arrogance. “The Centre must stop waiting for a special moment and immediately open avenues for meaningful dialogue with the farmers,” he said, emphasizing that resolving their grievances is imperative in the larger public interest. 

The Chief Minister also reminded the Union government of its duty to honour and address the contributions of farmers. “These are the same people who made the nation self-reliant in food production during its darkest times. Ignoring their cries for help is not only unfair but also shortsighted,” he asserted. Mann’s remarks come at a time when tensions between the farmers and the government have reached new heights, with protests intensifying over demands for a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) and other critical issues. 

Mann urged the Centre to act swiftly, warning that further delay would deepen the crisis. “Listen to the farmers, and resolve their issues before it’s too late,” he said, calling for immediate action to restore trust and ensure justice for the backbone of India's economy.