The ongoing farmers’ agitation at the Khanauri border (Punjab-Haryana) took a concerning turn as the veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on hunger strike for 69 days now, started experiencing severe health issues. Having endured over two months of fasting, Dallewal was first struck by high fever and is now suffering from severe ear pain since Saturday evening, raising alarms among supporters. Despite his deteriorating condition, Dallewal remained resolute, refusing to end his hunger strike until the Central Government met the farmers’ demands.
A team of doctors is monitoring him round the clock, but the situation remains critical. Fellow protesters are concerned that if immediate steps were not taken, his condition may worsen drastically. However, Dallewal has refused hospitalization and continued to lead the protest from the border site.
Meanwhile, farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are mobilizing ahead of a crucial February 14 meeting with the Central Government. Massive Mahapanchayats are being planned across the region, with farmer leaders calling for a show of strength to pressurize the government into action.
Farmers Disappointed with Union Budget 2025
The Union Budget 2025, presented a day before, has further aggravated the farmers’ frustration. They had high hopes that their key demand — including legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) — would be addressed, but the government made no mention of MSP legislation. Further fueling anger among farmers, the Union Budget 2025 also failed to address other key concerns such as loan waivers, compensation for protest-related deaths, or withdrawal of criminal cases against farmers.
Farmer unions have expressed deep disappointment, accusing the government of ignoring their year-long struggle. Many leaders have called it a “betrayal of farmers”, with some warning that this will only strengthen their resolve to escalate the agitation further.
Farmer unions have declared that their agitation will only intensify in the coming weeks. Protesters accused the Centre of deliberately sidelining their demands, despite the year-long struggle that has cost lives and livelihoods. “The government had a chance to show that it values the farmers who feed the nation. Instead, they ignored us yet again. We have no option but to fight harder,” said a senior farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal.
Year-Long Protest
The farmers’ agitation, which began on February 13, 2024, has been one of the most prolonged and intense protests in recent Indian history. Farmers initially marched towards Delhi, demanding legal guarantee for MSP on all crops; loan waivers for small and marginal farmers; pension schemes for elderly farmers; compensation for the deaths of protesting farmers, including 21-year-old Shubhkaran Singh, who was killed in a police clash; withdrawal of criminal cases filed against protesters; reduction in electricity tariffs and protection from subsidy cuts; implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, among others.
While the government initially engaged in negotiations, talks stalled due to lack of progress, and tensions escalated in February last.
Govt Blocks Farmers’ March to Delhi
In March 2024, as farmers attempted to march towards the national capital, the Haryana Government sealed the Punjab-Haryana border, installing heavy barricades, barbed wires, and cement blocks at Shambhu and Khannauri borders. Security officials argued that farmers had modified their tractors, raising concerns over law and order.
The situation took a violent turn when clashes erupted between farmers and police, resulting in the death of young farmer Shubhkaran Singh. His tragic death became a rallying point for the movement, with thousands demanding justice and accountability.
With highways blocked, the protest severely disrupted trade routes, causing economic losses for businesses dependent on inter-state transportation. Farmers refused to retreat, and the government remained firm on its stance, deepening the crisis.
High Court, Supreme Court Intervene
By July 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that the Haryana Government must remove barricades at the borders. However, Haryana challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court, leading to the formation of a High-Powered Committee to address the issue. Despite judicial interventions, little progress was made in addressing farmers’ demands, leading to further frustration.
Dallewal’s Hunger Strike: The Turning Point
In a dramatic escalation, on November 26, 2024, Dallewal announced an indefinite hunger strike at Khanauri border, declaring that he would not accept medical aid until the government met the farmers' demands.
As his health deteriorated rapidly, the Government sent officials to the protest site, inviting farmers for talks. In January 2025, after 50 days of fasting, Dallewal finally agreed to receive basic medical assistance but refused to end his hunger strike.
On January 26, thousands of farmers held a nationwide tractor march, marking Republic Day with a show of defiance. The march received massive public support, further strengthening the movement.
Political Fallout
The prolonged agitation has reshaped the political landscape of Punjab and Haryana, particularly affecting the BJP’s electoral prospects. The saffron party, since 2020 when it introduced the now repealed farm laws, has all along been struggling to gain ground in Punjab, facing strong anti-farmer sentiment. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which had earlier distanced itself from BJP, is trying to rebuild its base by backing the movement.
At the same time, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), despite ruling Punjab, faces criticism for not taking a stronger stand in favour of the farmers. Congress and other opposition parties are attempting to use the protests to their advantage.
All Eyes on Feb 14 Talks
With the February 14 meeting with the Central Government approaching, the next two weeks will be crucial. Farmers are determined to make their presence felt and voices heard loud and clear through Mahapanchayats and mass mobilization, while the Government remains under pressure to find a resolution. All eyes are on whether a resolution can be reached or if the stalemate will continue.
Meanwhile, the farmers remain defiant and united, determined to achieve legal guarantees for MSP and justice for their fallen comrade. With Dallewal's health worsening, the Government faces increasing pressure to act before the situation spirals into a full-blown crisis.
