Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health took a grave turn on Friday as he continued his hunger strike, now entering its 53rd day. A veteran farmer leader, who began the protest with a weight of 86.95 kilograms on November 26, 2024, has lost a shocking 20 kgs, leaving him frail at just 66.4 kgs. Dallewal’s deteriorating health has raised alarm among his supporters, with recent medical reports revealing troubling figures in his kidney and liver functions. While typical values for these tests are below one, Dallewal’s results have surged to 1.75 — signaling significant strain on his vital organs.
Despite the alarming decline in his physical condition, Dallewal remained steadfast in his demand for the implementation of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other vital reforms for the farming community. His unwavering resolve has not only underscored the gravity of the farmers’ movement but also intensified the call for urgent government intervention.
The stark contrast between Dallewal’s deteriorating health and his unrelenting stance against Government’s inaction has become a powerful symbol of the farmers’ struggle, drawing national and international attention to the escalating crisis.
As Dallewal's hunger strike continued, solidarity protests erupted across Punjab and Haryana, with farmers rallying at the Khanauri border in support. In addition to Dallewal’s hunger strike, 111 farmers have joined him in an indefinite fast, marking the third consecutive day of their protest.
The Delhi Chalo movement, started in February 2024, showed no signs of slowing down, as the farmers are united by the belief that their demands for MSP and agricultural reforms are just and necessary. On January 16, state administration and police officials visited Dallewal in an attempt to engage with him, but their efforts have, so far, failed to reach a resolution.
The medical crisis surrounding Dallewal has also drawn criticism from the farming community, particularly regarding the Punjab Government's statements in the Supreme Court. Farmer leaders, including Dallewal’s close aide Abhimanyu Kohar, expressed disbelief at the government's claims that the farmer leader’s health was improving. Kohar challenged these assertions, stating, “Does fasting improve health or deteriorate it? If hunger strikes were effective for health, hospitals should shut down.”
On Saturday (January 18), the protesting farmers are set to meet with leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a pan-India farmers’ body, in Patiala’s Patran to strategize their next steps. The meeting will focus on strengthening the movement and planning future demonstrations, including a tractor march scheduled for January 26.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator and a key leader of the agitation along with Dallewal, Sarwan Singh Pandher, announced that 101 farmers would march to Delhi on January 21. “The Central Government has yet to engage in dialogue, so we are escalating our movement,” Pandher stated, further warning the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the demand for MSP legislation would be fulfilled under his tenure only.
The farmers’ determination to push forward with their demands is unwavering, despite facing violent opposition. In December 2024, farmers made three attempts to march to Delhi, but each time they were intercepted by Haryana police, who used tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges to disperse the crowds. These confrontations left about 50 farmers injured, further galvanizing the movement.
The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has intervened in the matter, seeking a comprehensive medical report on Dallewal’s condition from the Punjab Government. The apex court had directed AIIMS to provide an independent opinion on his health.