Jagjit Singh Dallewal is a prominent farmer leader from Punjab, India, known for his steadfast advocacy for agricultural reforms and farmers’ rights. As of March 20, 2025, he has been on a hunger strike for over 110 days, drawing significant attention to the pressing issues faced by the farming community.
Background and Activism
Dallewal leads the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), a coalition dedicated to addressing farmers’ concerns. His activism gained prominence during the 2020-2021 farmers’ protests against the controversial farm laws, where he emerged as a key figure advocating for the repeal of these laws. Post the repeal, he continued to champion causes such as securing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops and addressing other longstanding issues affecting farmers.
Details of the Hunger Strike
On November 26, 2024, Dallewal commenced an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border, situated between Punjab and Haryana. His primary demands include:
- A legal guarantee for MSP on all agricultural produce.
- Addressing pending issues related to the agricultural sector.
Over the course of his protest, Dallewal’s health has deteriorated significantly. Medical assessments have indicated that his life is “hanging by a thread,” with risks of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure. Despite medical advice urging hospitalization, he has remained resolute, stating, “My life is not as important as the lives of lakhs of Indian farmers, who are reeling under distress.”
Government and Public Response
The Punjab government’s attempts to persuade Dallewal to end his hunger strike have been unsuccessful. On December 29, 2024, officials tried to convince him to accept medical aid, but he declined, fearing it might lead to forcible removal from the protest site.
The Economic Times His condition has elicited reactions from various quarters, including the Supreme Court, which on December 31, 2024, directed the Punjab government to provide necessary medical assistance to Dallewal during his protest.
Recent Developments
On March 20, 2025, amidst a broader crackdown on protesting farmers, Punjab Police transferred Dallewal from the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Jalandhar to another hospital under heavy security.
www.ndtv.com This action occurred in the context of intensified protests, including plans by farmer organizations like the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) to demonstrate outside Deputy Commissioners’ offices in Punjab and Haryana.
Current Status
As of today, Dallewal’s hunger strike has surpassed 110 days. His unwavering commitment continues to spotlight the challenges faced by farmers, particularly concerning fair pricing and governmental support. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the balance between addressing legitimate farmer grievances and ensuring the health and safety of protest leaders.
Conclusion
Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s prolonged hunger strike has become a focal point in the discourse on agricultural reforms and farmers’ rights in India. His actions have sparked a wider conversation about the need for systemic changes to support the farming community, emphasizing the urgency for dialogue and resolution between farmers and the government.
