As the farmers’ protest at Punjab-Haryana’s Shambhu and Khanauri borders marks its first anniversary under the ‘Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0’, thousands of farmers assembled at Khanauri for a massive Mahapanchayat on Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to the movement and emphasizing the need for unity ahead of crucial talks with the Central Government on February 14. The Mahapanchayat witnessed fiery speeches from farmer leaders, with Jagjit Singh Dallewal — on a hunger strike for 78 days — making an emotional appeal for stronger government intervention to support deported youth and secure a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).
Dallewal linked the growing wave of deportations to the deepening employment crisis, stating that over 30 Punjabis were among the 104 Indians deported by the United States recently, and warned that 200 more young individuals face deportation in the coming days. He stressed that only a robust agricultural sector with legally backed MSP can provide sustainable employment and prevent forced migration. Calling out both the Punjab and Central Governments for their indifference, he urged the authorities to rehabilitate deported youth instead of abandoning them.
Amidst the ongoing protest, farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa suffered a heart attack at the Khanauri border and was rushed to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Meanwhile, BKU (Ekta Sidhupur) leader Charanjit Singh Kala succumbed to injuries from a road accident caused by a stray animal, highlighting the challenges faced by protestors camping at the borders.
With the movement entering a critical phase, farmer leaders have outlined a three-step strategy — strengthening unity through discussions with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), presenting their demands before the Central Government on February 14, and preparing for a massive march to Delhi on February 25 if negotiations fail. The coming days will determine the future course of the farmers’ struggle, as pressure mounts on the government to address their long-standing demands.
Mahapanchayat at Khanauri
The event, which saw participation from farmer unions across states, underscored the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP, resolution of pending farmer issues, and a call for government intervention to rehabilitate deported youth, among others.
The Mahapanchayat at Khanauri was a defining moment in the ongoing farmers' agitation, with leaders emphasizing the need for “unity” among different factions of the protest movement. Farmer leader Dallewal, who addressed the gathering from his trolley, urged the farmers to stay steadfast in their fight.
In his emotional speech, Dallewal raised serious concerns about the growing issue of youth deportation, linking it directly to the agrarian crisis and unemployment in India. Blaming the lack of job opportunities in India for forcing the youth to migrate, he said: “If agriculture is a profitable sector, our youth wouldn’t be leaving their homeland. The government needs to secure legal MSP for all crops under Dr Swaminathan’s C2+50 formula. Only then will farming become a viable career option, reducing the need for migration,” Dallewal said.
He also accused both the Punjab and Central Governments of failing to support the deportees, calling it a “shameful act of neglect”. He urged the authorities to provide rehabilitation and employment opportunities for those being forced to return, ensuring that they are not left helpless.
The farmer leaders also made a passionate appeal to the public, urging more people to join the movement. They emphasized that this is not just a farmers’ protest, but a fight for the economic stability of the nation. “If the government fails to act now, it will not just be farmers who suffer —the entire economy will feel the impact. We are fighting for every young individual who dreams of a better future in this country,” Dallewal said, his voice frail but resolute.
Farmers Prepare for Critical Talks with Centre on Feb 14
With tensions escalating, farmer leaders are now focused on the upcoming meeting with the Central Government on February 14. The meeting, scheduled to take place in Chandigarh’s Sector 26, is expected to discuss key demands, including legal guarantee of MSP for all crops under the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations; debt waiver for farmers; withdrawal of cases registered against protestors during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation; implementation of crop diversification policies to ensure sustainable farming; and compensation for farmers affected by floods and natural calamities.
Dallewal has instructed farmer leaders to thoroughly study all aspects of the negotiation to avoid any missteps. The leaders aim to present a well-researched, data-backed argument before the government, ensuring their demands are addressed effectively.
“We cannot afford to be unprepared. This is a battle for our rights, for our future, and for the dignity of Indian farmers. The government must understand that we are not going to back down,” said Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convener and senior farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, echoing the determination of protestors.
In case the February 14 talks fail to produce a breakthrough, farmers have already chalked out their next course of action. “We will continue to hold meetings with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other factions to ensure a unified stance. In case, the government fails to meet our demands, we will intensify the agitation across Punjab and Haryana,” said Pandher.
As a last resort, the protestors are prepared to march towards Delhi on February 25, similar to the 2020-21 movement, to pressurize the government into action.
Farmer Unity Talks Remain Inconclusive Ahead of Key Meeting with Centre
Efforts to forge unity among Punjab’s farmer unions suffered a setback on Wednesday as the third round of talks between Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Manch (KMM) remained inconclusive due to the absence of the Jagjit Singh Dallewal-led SKM (Non-Political).
The three-hour-long meeting, held in Chandigarh, saw both SKM and KMM agreeing on the need to synchronize their protests and fight jointly for farmers’ demands. However, no final agreement could be reached without the participation of Dallewal’s faction, which has been leading a separate protest at the Khanauri border for the past year.
Dallewal, convener of SKM (Non-Political), has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Khanauri since November 26, demanding a legal guarantee for MSP and other farmer-related issues. KMM leaders will now take up the unity proposal with Dallewal’s faction before the crucial February 14 meeting with the Centre, aimed at breaking the deadlock.
Baldev Sirsa Faces Cardiac Issues, Another Farmer Leader Dies
The Mahapanchayat also witnessed moments of distress, as farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa suffered cardiac issue during the mahapanchayat. He was immediately rushed to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, where he is currently under treatment. This is the second time in a month that Sirsa has suffered the cardiac issues, yet he remained committed to the movement, refusing to abandon his fellow protestors.
In a separate tragic incident, BKU (Ekta Sidhupur) leader Charanjit Singh Kala succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident. Kala was traveling back from PGI Chandigarh after receiving medical treatment when a stray animal suddenly appeared in front of his vehicle, causing a fatal crash. He was 48 years old and left behind a grieving family, including a 19-year-old son and a 21-year-old daughter.
