Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Friday hit out at the BJP for seeking the Akal Takht’s intervention to end his indefinite hunger strike. Dallewal asked them to instead press Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address farmers’ demands. Dallewal’s fast-unto-death entered its 46th day on Friday, with his health continuing to deteriorate.
In a video message released on Friday, the 70-year-old leader stated he would only end his strike once the Centre provides a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. “I respect the Akal Takht,” said Dallewal, “but the Punjab BJP should approach Modi ji, the vice president, the Agriculture Minister or Amit Shah ji, instead of appealing to the Akal Takht Jathedar.”
A BJP delegation, including Sukhminder Pal Singh Grewal and Sarchand Singh, had approached Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Thursday, urging him to intervene, citing concerns over Dallewal’s deteriorating health. However, Dallewal dismissed their approach as misdirected.
Dallewal, convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), began his hunger strike at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana on November 26, demanding solutions to farmers’ issues, including a legal MSP guarantee. Despite his critical condition, Dallewal has refused medical aid.
Farmers under SKM (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at Punjab-Haryana border points since February 13, after their march to Delhi was halted.