Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Critical as Hunger Strike Reaches 27 Days
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal remains in critical condition as his hunger strike at the Khanauri border protest site enters its 27th day. Doctors monitoring him have expressed grave concerns, warning of a high risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.
“He is hemodynamically unstable,” said a doctor overseeing his care, explaining that his blood circulation is inadequate to sustain proper organ function.
“Generally, such patients require ICU admission. His condition is critical,” the doctor added. A statement from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha reported that Dallewal, following medical advice, refrained from appearing on stage on Sunday.
His prolonged hunger strike has severely weakened his immunity, leaving him vulnerable to infections.
A medical expert noted, “His hands and feet are cold. Starvation is adversely affecting his nervous system and vital organs like the liver and kidneys.”
The Demand for MSP Legislation
Dallewal, 70, began his fast-unto-death on November 26, demanding that the central government provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. His condition has worsened considerably in recent days.
Doctors reported that his reflexes are slow, and his blood pressure fluctuates dangerously. “He has acute protein and fluid deficiencies, and his organs are functioning poorly,” stated a medic from the 5 Rivers Heart Association, an NGO.
Symbolic hunger strikes are planned at tehsil and district levels on December 26, the day Dallewal’s fast reaches one month. These strikes will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Escalation of Protests
Since February 13, farmers have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana after being prevented from marching to Delhi by security forces.
A “jatha” of 101 farmers attempted three times to march on foot to Delhi between December 6 and 14 but was stopped in Haryana.
Farmer leader Surjit Singh Phool warned of potential violence if authorities attempted to forcibly remove Dallewal from the protest site. “If they remove him, there will be bloodshed, and the administration will bear full responsibility,” he stated.
Political and Public Reactions
Political leaders and celebrities have visited Dallewal to express solidarity. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi suggested that Rahul Gandhi might visit if necessary.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized these visits, alleging they were mere photo opportunities rather than genuine acts of support.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar urged Dallewal to end his hunger strike, emphasizing its “serious implications” for Punjab, a border state.
Jakhar highlighted the Supreme Court’s concern, noting the apex court’s acknowledgment of the strike and its suggestion for farmers to address their issues directly to the court.
Jakhar appealed to other farmer union leaders to come together and persuade Dallewal to end his fast. “His life is important, and his fast has served its purpose by bringing attention to the farmers’ demands,” he said.
However, Jakhar also voiced concerns over the demand for legally guaranteed MSP, stating it might not benefit Punjab’s farmers in the long run.
He urged the Punjab Chief Minister to explore alternative measures, such as notifying MSP for more crops, as Haryana has done.
Growing Tensions and the Role of the Government
The situation remains volatile as the Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on January 2, 2025. Meanwhile, Punjab’s authorities have refrained from relocating Dallewal, fearing escalation of tensions.
Jakhar warned against leaving Punjab vulnerable, citing recent security threats, including grenade attacks in Amritsar and Gurdaspur.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the BJP for politicizing Dallewal’s hunger strike.
He urged the Punjab BJP to pressure the central government to address the farmers’ demands. “It is time for the BJP to undertake a ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement to press the Prime Minister and Home Minister to listen to the farmers,” Pandher said.
With Dallewal’s health deteriorating rapidly and no resolution in sight, the protest has become a critical flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for farmers’ rights.
