Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the prominent farmer leader who has been on a hunger strike for 41 days at the Khanauri border seeking legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) among other things, is facing a serious health crisis after addressing the Farmer Mahapanchayat on Saturday. The 70-year-old farmer leader’s health deteriorated significantly after delivering a brief 10-minute speech at the event.

Immediately following his address, Dallewal began to experience dizziness and vomiting, symptoms indicating a severe drop in his blood pressure. His health took a further decline, alarming his supporters and medical teams who have been monitoring his condition throughout the strike. Dallewal was swiftly moved to his tent for treatment, and medical personnel have since been closely monitoring him as his condition remains critical.

Earlier, on Friday evening, Dallewal had undergone medical tests, including blood, urine, and ECG exams, which showed stable results — which gave him the confidence to attend the Mahapanchayat. However, his health worsened soon after his speech, leading to concerns that even if he ends his hunger strike now, a full recovery may not be possible.

Former DIG Narinder Bhargav, who has been involved in backchannel talks with Dallewal, rushed to Khanauri upon hearing of the crisis. Additionally, the state Health Department teams were placed on standby to ensure immediate assistance if needed. As his supporters and local officials anxiously awaited updates, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anuprita Johal and Patiala’s SDM Ashok Kumar also visited the Khanauri border to assess the situation in the evening.

The gravity of Dallewal's condition has raised alarm among his supporters, especially as he continues to advocate for the farmers’ cause. The farmer leader, in his speech on Saturday’s mega event, had emphasized the divine nature of his struggle, stating, “This fight is not mine alone, it is the will of God. The victory of this protest will be determined by the divine will, and we will win no matter what,” as he rallied for justice for farmers. His words, while meant to inspire the farmers, have now become a poignant reminder of the personal toll the movement has taken on Dallewal.

During his brief address at the Mahapanchayat on Saturday, Dallewal had emphasized that the the fight is not his alone. “I am just the vessel through which this battle is fought. What happens, happens according to the will of the Almighty,” he said.

Assuring the farmers that the movement would be a triumph, regardless of the Government's efforts to quell it, Dallewal had said: “The efforts to evict us may continue, but we will not leave. The victory is ours, for it is the will of God.”

At the same time, Dallewal highlighted the pressing issue of farmer suicides, referencing official data that claims four lakh farmers have taken their lives. However, he asserted that the true toll is likely much higher. He urged more farmers to join the protest to lend strength to the movement.

Dallewal’s deteriorating health has cast a shadow over the protest, and doctors are increasingly concerned that the prolonged hunger strike could have lasting effects. “His health is rapidly deteriorating…And his condition might be irreversible even if he ends the strike now,” said a doctor attending him.

Despite this, Dallewal remains resolute in his cause, emphasizing the dire need to prevent the increasing suicides among farmers. At the same time, the farmers also remain committed to their cause. Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is leading the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0’, announced that the farmers would gather at the Shambhu border to celebrate Gurupurab, urging all farmers to join the event to strengthen the protest.

SC to Hear Plea on Farmers’ Protest Today

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case related to the farmers’ protests and Dallewal’s hunger strike on Monday. Earlier this week, the Court had expressed concern over the Punjab Government's handling of the situation, accusing the authorities of attempting to deliberately worsen Dallewal’s condition. The Court also reiterated that it had never called for Dallewal to end his hunger strike, but expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in peace talks, criticizing the government for not adopting a conciliatory approach.

District Admn Continuously Monitoring Dallewal’s Health Daily

As part of ongoing efforts to monitor Dallewal’s health, Patiala Administration has been holding daily meetings with him at Dhabbi Gujaran. Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav, civil administration officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), are consistently present at the protest site, ensuring that high-level medical teams are keeping a close watch on Dallewal's condition.

Dr Yadav said that medical teams from the Punjab Government, along with two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, are stationed at the protest location around the clock. An emergency hospital, fully equipped with necessary medicines and equipment, has also been set up near the protest site, staffed by expert doctors who are available 24X7 to provide immediate medical assistance if required, she said.

DC Dr Yadav, along with Additional DC Anooprita Johal and SDM Patran Ashok Kumar, visited the protest site to meet with Dallewal and obtain updates on his health.