Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 39 days now, on Friday made a heartfelt appeal to farmers and supporters across the nation to converge at the Khanauri border on January 4 (Saturday) for a massive Kisan Mahapanchayat.
The protest, located at the Punjab-Haryana border, is centered on the ongoing battle for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a demand that has sparked widespread unrest among farmers and their supporters. Dallewal’s hunger strike, which has led to severe health complications, has become a symbol of the farmers’ unyielding commitment to securing their rights.
In a passionate video message released on Friday, Dallewal urged farmers and individuals supporting the MSP cause to join the gathering at Khanauri, emphasizing the importance of unity and strength in the ongoing fight. “I want to see all of you at Khanauri on January 4. This struggle for MSP is a fight for our future, and your presence will send a powerful message,” said Dallewal.
Despite his deteriorating health, Dallewal has remained resolute, rejecting medical aid and continuing his fast in an effort to draw attention to the farmers’ demands. His call for mass mobilization is aimed at amplifying the demand for a legal guarantee on MSP, which remains unresolved despite prolonged negotiations.
The Kisan Mahapanchayat is being organized under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, groups that have been at the forefront of ongoing farmer protests, dubbed as ‘Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0’, since February 2023.
The protesters had earlier set up camps at Shambhu and Khanauri borders following their halted march to Delhi. The demand for MSP guarantees remains the central issue of contention between the farmers and the BJP-led Central Government. Despite attempts by Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to persuade Dallewal to receive medical help, the farmer leader has remained firm, with his health continuously monitored by a team of government doctors.
Dallewal's appeal to farmers to gather at Khanauri comes as the farmer leaders continue to resist attempts at negotiations through the Supreme Court’s appointed High Power Committee. The Supreme Court, in its recent hearing, expressed concern over Dallewal’s health but clarified that it had not instructed the fasting leader to end his protest. The Central Government, however, has so far shown little willingness to resolve the issue directly with the farmers, causing frustration among the protestors. Senior farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has criticized the Centre’s “stubborn attitude”, demanding direct talks with the Modi government.
The protest’s significance has grown, with the call for a nationwide response from farmers and political organizations. In an important development, a meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held in Ludhiana laid the groundwork for future actions.
During the meeting, it was decided that another Mahapanchayat will be organized in Tohana and in Moga on January 9, where farmers will discuss the next steps regarding their demands.
Farmer leader Boota Singh emphasized the importance of unity among farmers, despite differences in ideological approaches. “While there may be differences in opinion, our goals are aligned. Farmers must stay united to ensure our demands are met,” Singh remarked.
End fast by accepting farmers’ demands: Hooda
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Friday that the health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal "is critical and the BJP government should try to end the fast by accepting demands and giving up its stubborn attitude".
Talking to reporters, Hooda said that Dallewal's life "is precious for everyone because he's not fasting for personal interest but for the legitimate demands of the farmers". Farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri, demanding a legal guarantee for a minimum support price for crops. Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entered its 39th day.
Former Chief Minister Hooda said the demands of the farmers are completely legitimate and many years old. “The BJP itself had ended the farmer movement by promising the minimum support price (MSP). Farmers are reminding the government of its promise," he added.
"The Congress has been in favour of giving MSP to the farmers under the Swaminathan formula since the beginning. The BJP had also promised to double the income of farmers by implementing the Swaminathan report, but after coming to power, it forgot its promise and instead of doubling the income of farmers, it increased its cost manifold," he said.
Hooda added that apart from the Congress, no other party thinks about the interests of farmers, they only do politics in the name of farmers.
