Farmer Leader Dallewal Hunger Strike, Writes Open Letter to PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, hailing from Punjab, continues his hunger strike at the Khanauri border, now reaching the 17th day. His fast unto death aims to draw the central government’s attention to a list of 13 demands, including the contentious Minimum Support Price (MSP) Guarantee Law.
In a poignant move, Dallewal has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate action on these long-pending issues.
I, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, an ordinary this country, letter profound sadness and a heavy heart, as stated by Dallewal in his bore his thumbprint in blood.
He emphasized that the farmers’ agitation, under the banners of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), began on February 13 but has yet to yield results. “I hope that my sacrifice will awaken the government to the plight of farmers and compel action on our demands,” he added.
Farmers Demands; A Decade-Long Struggle
The 13 demands championed by Dallewal and the protesting farmers include a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, and Justice must be served for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Other demands highlight the withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers and a halt to increasing electricity tariffs, which are placing an additional burden on the already strained agricultural sector.
In his letter, Dalle reminded Prime Minister Modi of the commitments made during the 2014 election to implement the Swaminathan Commission’s C+50 formula for crop pricing.
The formula, designed to ensure fair compensation for farmers, was touted as a priority for Modi’s government. However, Dallewal noted that a Supreme Court affidavit in 2015 contradicted these promises, claiming the formula could not be implemented.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, you pledged that first act as Minister would be to guarantee the of the Swaminathan formula Yet, nine years have passed without fulfillment, Dallewal wrote.
He also recalled a 2018 commitment from then Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to implement the formula within three months. Despite assurances, the promise remains unfulfilled.
In a striking move, Dallewal referenced Modi’s own advocacy for MSP guarantees during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. In 2011, Modi, as the chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, wrote to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging a law that would prevent transactions below the government-declared MSP.
In 2011 your position was resolutely aligned with that of the farmers. Why has that changed since 2014?” Dallewal’s letter questioned.
This historical context underscores the sense of betrayal felt by the farming community, which once trusted Modi’s commitments. “The absence of action on these promises has led to widespread distress among farmers, pushing many into a cycle of debt and despair,” Dallewal’s letter argued.
Since February 13, farmers under the banners of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and KMM have camped at Shambhu and Khanauri borders after being stopped from marching to Delhi. The movement’s momentum has been driven by Dallewal’s hunger strike and the support of thousands of farmers, who continue to demand justice and reform.
To ensure Dallewal’s safety, protesters have established a security circle around him, thereby obstructing from from the location. Earlier, on November 26, Punjab Police had forcibly removed Dallewal from Khanauri, hours before he planned to begin his hunger strike.
This intervention, however, was met with backlash from the farming community, compelling Dallewal’s return to the protest.
The Broader Crisis in Indian Agriculture
The agitation at Khanauri reflects broader issues plaguing India’s agricultural sector. Despite being the backbone of the Indian economy, farmers continue to face challenges such as inadequate pricing, rising input costs, and mounting debt.
The failure to implement the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations exacerbates these problems, leaving farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations and exploitation.
The absence of a legal guarantee for MSP has led to increased dependence on middlemen and unregulated markets, where farmers often receive prices far below the cost of production. Protests like the one at Khanauri underscore the urgency of systemic reform to ensure sustainable livelihoods for India’s farmers.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and KMM have reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful protest and dialogue. The groups have demanded immediate intervention by the central government to address their concerns.
Leaders have also called upon civil society and international organizations to support their cause and highlight the plight of Indian farmers.
Notwithstanding the challenges, the resolve of remains steadfast. “This movement is not just for us but for the future generations of farmers in India,” said a protester at the Khanauri border.
A Call for Action
Dallewal’s hunger strike has brought renewed attention to the struggles of Indian farmers. His open letter to PM Modi serves as a reminder of unfulfilled promises and the urgent need for policy intervention. As the hunger strike enters its 17th day, the farming community awaits a response from the government.
Dallewal concluded in letter that our demands are not unreasonable. We seek what was promised to us: fairness, justice, and the right to live with dignity. The responsibility now rests with the government to respond to the farmers’ call for and reform.
Note to Readers: Stay updated with developments on the farmers’ protests and other significant news impacting the agricultural sector. Let us stand in solidarity with the farmers who feed the nation.
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