A farmers’ body from Punjab announced on January 4, 2025, the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ will be held at the Khanauri protest site.
The announcement has come at a time when concerns are growing about the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, 2024, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Deteriorating Health of Jagjit Singh
Dallewal has reached the 33rd day of fasting in the farmers’ rally. Dallewal’s health condition continues to worsen. In a recorded message posted within the last 48 hours, he says, “I am sitting here on my own will, under no pressure. This fast is to save farmers, not a publicity stunt.”
The Supreme Court of India expressed serious apprehensions as to Dallewal’s health. In a special hearing, the Court rebuked the Punjab government for failing to provide quality medical assistance to the fasting leader.
The Court underscored the obligation of the state to keep Dallewal healthy and sought a compliance report from the Punjab government.
Call for ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’
In light of the current state of affairs, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’, to be held on January 4, at Khanauri protest site.
Kaka Singh Kotra, a leader of the SKM (Non-Political), stated that farmers from various states are likely to attend this show of strength.
The Mahapanchayat aims to lift farmers’ burning demands, chiefly the legal guarantee for MSP.
While weakened, Dallewal in strong terms expresses his wish to address the gathering. The farm leaders have set the Mahapanchayat to take place between 11 am and 3 pm. Dallewal is expected to speak from his bed.
The anticipated outcome is that the event will lend support to the farmers’ cause and further pressurize the government to cater to their demands.
Intervention of Supreme Court
The intervention by the Supremo has added a completely different angle to this continuing farmers’ protest.
It has directed the Punjab government to stress every effort to give medical assistance to Dallewal, raising questions over the intentions of the ones preventing him from being hospitalized.
“We have serious doubts on those farmers, those are not conscious, aware, and concerned with his life,” said the Court.
Punjab police and state government have raised protests for convincing Dallewal for medical help. AG Gurminder Singh told the Court that a delegation under eight cabinet ministers and the Punjab DGP visited the protest site, but the farmers opposed.
The Punjab government has been ordered by the Supreme Court to furnish any compliance report, while it has summoned the Chief Secretary and DGP to be present in the next hearing.
Farmers’ Demands and Government Response
The farmers request are very basic: a legal guarantee to MSP which they see as a tool of economic security. A series of discussions have not led to any tangible assurance from the government till now.
Such pressure will build up on the government in the coming ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’, make-up for some relief-marking a milestone for their demands.
Farmers are determined to continue their protests until their demands are met.
Dallewal’s health has now become a rallying point for the agitation and under national scrutiny, which has also drawn attention from the reckoning of the judiciary.
As the Mahapanchayat of January 4 nears, all eyes will be on how the government will respond to farmers’ firm demands.
