Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Accepts Medical Aid Ahead of February 14 Government Talks
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 70, has agreed to receive medical assistance following the central government's decision to hold discussions with protesting farmers on February 14 in Chandigarh.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 70, has agreed to receive medical assistance following the central government's decision to hold discussions with protesting farmers on February 14 in Chandigarh. Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26 at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops. Despite consenting to medical aid, he remains resolute in continuing his fast until the government fulfills the farmers' demands.
The decision to accept medical assistance came after a meeting between a central government delegation, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, ministry of Agricultue and Farmers Welfare and representatives of the protesting farmers, including Dallewal. Ranjan conveyed the government's invitation for the February 14 meeting and urged Dallewal to end his fast and seek medical care to participate effectively in the discussions.
Dallewal's health has been deteriorating, with reports indicating significant weight loss and severe weakness. Doctors monitoring his condition have expressed concerns about his recovery, even if he discontinues the hunger strike. In solidarity, ten more farmers have joined the indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border, bringing the total number of fasting farmers to 121.
The upcoming meeting aims to address the farmers' longstanding demand for a legal framework ensuring MSP for crops. The date was chosen considering the Delhi Assembly elections code of conduct. Some farmer leaders have appealed to Dallewal to accept medical assistance so he can actively participate in the forthcoming discussions.