The hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Datasinghwala-Khanauri protest site entered its 77th day today. After seven days, medical assistance through intravenous drip has been resumed due to the relentless efforts of doctors. Notably, medical aid had been halted for the past six days as all veins in both of his arms had collapsed.

Farmer leaders announced that preparations for the Kisan Mahapanchayat scheduled to be held at the Ratanpura protest site on February 11 have been finalized. Thousands of farmers from Rajasthan and Haryana are expected to join the protest tomorrow.

Speaking on the issue of Indian deportations from the USA, Jagjit Singh Dallewal stated that due to the lack of employment opportunities in India, the youth are forced to seek work abroad. He criticized the central government for promoting slogans like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Swadeshi (Indigenous Development) but failing to implement effective measures at the grassroots level.

He emphasized the need to address unemployment in rural areas by focusing on the agriculture sector. He pointed out that although over 50% of India’s population depends on agriculture, only 3.38% of the total budget is allocated to it, which he described as extremely unfortunate. He further stressed that the implementation of an MSP Guarantee Law, the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula, and debt relief for farmers and laborers are necessary steps to improve rural economy and agriculture.

The farmer leaders also announced that an important press conference will be held at Teachers’ Home, Bathinda, at 9:30 AM tomorrow.