Punjab farmer leader ends hunger strike on Agriculture Minister's appeal

07-Apr-2025 12:57 PM

Punjab Farmer Leader Ends Hunger Strike After Minister's Appeal

New Delhi, April 5, 2025 – Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent Punjab farmer leader, ended his indefinite hunger strike following an appeal from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Dallewal had been on hunger strike since November 26, 2024, demanding a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops.

The hunger strike began after talks between the government and farmer organizations reached a deadlock, leading to rising unrest among farmers, particularly in Punjab. The government had previously urged Dallewal to end his fast, but he refused.

However, on April 5, Minister Chauhan made a public appeal from Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the government's commitment to ongoing dialogue. This finally persuaded Dallewal to call off his protest, bringing relief to the government and avoiding potential backlash had his health worsened.

Dallewal has now been discharged from the hospital and is expected to recover soon. The government has confirmed that talks with farmer organizations will resume on May 4 at 11 a.m.