On New Year’s Day, a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh drew sharp reactions from protesting farmers, who questioned his dedication to their cause. Dosanjh described the meeting as a “fantastic start” to the New Year, while Modi praised his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom.
Farmer leaders expressed disappointment over Dosanjh’s recent actions, suggesting they contradicted his earlier vocal support for the farmers’ movement. In 2020, Dosanjh joined the farmers’ protest at the singhu borderwhere he urged the government to fulfill their demands and advocated for their cause.
A farmer leader at the Shambu border expressed disappointment regarding Diljit’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “If Diljit truly cared about farmers, he would have come and joined us in solidarity with Dallewal Ji at Sambhu Border, listened to our concerns, and Instead, meeting PM Modi raises doubts about his intentions.” The farmers reiterated that their struggle will continue until their demands are met.
Jagjit Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 38 days to demand the legalization of Minimum Support Price through new laws. Thousands of farmers, along with many tractor-trolleys, have gathered at the Khanauri site to support him. The Punjab government has tried to convince Dallewal to accept medical help, but he has refused. The Supreme Court has stepped in, asking the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal’s health and follow its orders about his hospitalization.
