Skip to main content

A new turn in the farmers' movement? Dalewal’s 'decisive' struggle

By Vikas Meshram* 
The ongoing farmers' movement at the Punjab-Haryana border for the past year has taken a new turn. Jagjit Singh Dalewal, a prominent leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, has vowed to go on a hunger strike until the government agrees to implement the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and address other key farmer demands. Despite suffering from a severe illness like cancer, Dalewal began his hunger strike on November 26. His firm stance has caused widespread unrest and anger among the farming community.
As news of Dalewal’s hunger strike spread across the country, farmers from Punjab and Haryana came together in large numbers. They supported his demands by calling for a Punjab Bandh on December 30. The bandh received overwhelming support, with farmers taking to the streets in various districts to intensify the movement. Concerns about Dalewal’s health have been rising since the strike began, with his family, fellow farmer leaders, and supporters worried about his condition. However, Dalewal has made it clear that he will not accept any medical treatment unless the government meets their demands.
Dalewal's primary demand is the legal guarantee of MSP. Additionally, he has demanded complete loan waivers for farmers, the implementation of a pension scheme for farmers and agricultural laborers, and the halt of electricity price hikes. These demands have garnered support from major farmer organizations in Punjab and Haryana. Organizations like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), and All India Kisan Sabha have repeatedly submitted memorandums to both central and state governments. They have warned that the movement will intensify if the government does not take their demands seriously.
The Supreme Court has taken note of the situation, expressing concern over Dalewal's deteriorating health. The court has directed the Punjab government to provide immediate medical assistance to him. However, the Punjab government has neglected these orders. Expressing displeasure, the court instructed the state government to help Dalewal with care. Despite this, no medical assistance has been provided to him due to government inaction.
The Punjab government has written to the central government, requesting intervention in the matter. However, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh has stated that the case is pending in the Supreme Court, and the government will act based on the court's decision. The central government's stance has fueled discontent among farmers, who believe the government is deliberately ignoring their demands. Dalewal's ongoing hunger strike has further angered the farming community.
Dalewal’s supporters are deeply anxious about his health. His organization has urged him to end the hunger strike, but he remains firm in his stance, stating that he will end the strike only when the government agrees to the demands. Several farmer leaders have tried to persuade Dalewal to call off his strike, but he has refused to listen. His supporters have accused other farmer leaders of being government agents and attempting to weaken Dalewal's resolve.
In the wake of the Punjab Bandh, farmer organizations organized a Mahapanchayat at the Khanauri border. Thousands of farmers participated in the gathering. Addressing the Mahapanchayat, Dalewal urged farmers to remain united and intensify the struggle. He emphasized that although the government may use force, farmers will ultimately emerge victorious. His speech reignited determination among the farming community.
The government should make efforts to end Dalewal’s hunger strike. However, instead of taking concrete steps, it continues to offer assurances. The government should have implemented the court’s instructions and provided medical assistance to Dalewal promptly. The delay in admitting him to the hospital has raised serious questions. The government should have taken the farmers’ demands seriously and acted promptly. However, its inaction has caused widespread discontent among the farmers.
Farmers' demands have been longstanding. The legal guarantee of MSP remains their primary demand. In addition, they have called for pension schemes for farmers and agricultural laborers, loan waivers, and a halt to electricity price hikes. These demands need immediate resolution. However, the government has yet to take substantial measures, leading to increased frustration among farmers.
The farmers' movement is now taking a political turn. Several opposition parties have voiced their support for the farmers' demands and urged the central government to engage in meaningful dialogue with them. Yet, the government has not taken decisive steps. Instead, it continues to provide assurances without addressing the core issues faced by farmers.
The government must ensure Dalewal’s safety and well-being. Additionally, they must engage with farmer organizations to address their demands. Farmers are the backbone of the country’s economy, and resolving their issues should be a priority for the government. Frequent farmer protests are not beneficial for the nation. Therefore, the government must take farmers' demands seriously and provide the necessary relief.
If Dalewal’s hunger strike continues, it could have significant repercussions on the farming community and the country’s social environment. The government must follow the court’s directives, provide Dalewal with medical assistance, and address his demands. The government must deliver on crucial issues like loan waivers, pension schemes, curbing electricity price hikes, and legalizing MSP to restore peace and stability.
By fulfilling the farmers' demands, the government can ensure peace and stability in the country. Instead of merely offering assurances, it must take concrete steps. The government must act urgently to prevent any harm to Dalewal’s life. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape.
---
*Journalist

Comments

TRENDING

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor*  Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy  Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative   The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das*  India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा*  जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए। 

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative  The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment.  The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents.   The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor*  A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

How polarization between different ideological trends within the communist movement sharpened in India

By Harsh Thakor*  This article is a rejoinder to A Note on Slogans of “Left Unity,” “Unity of the Communist Revolutionaries” and “Mass Line” by Umair Ahmed, published on the Nazariya blog .

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor*  In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.