Today in Chandigarh, the fifth round of meetings took place between the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha with the government. A 28-member delegation from both organizations participated in the meeting. Despite the passing of his elder sister’s granddaughter last night at a young age, Jagjit Singh Dallewal personally attended the meeting. He arrived at the venue in an ambulance.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and other officials presented the government’s ongoing schemes to provide MSP to farmers. However, farmer leaders strongly reiterated their demand for a legally guaranteed MSP law and urged the government to demonstrate political will by announcing such legislation. The leaders refuted the claim that implementing MSP guarantees would cost ₹17 lakh crore annually, asserting instead that the actual cost would be between ₹20,000 crore and ₹30,000 crore per year. When the farmer leaders presented their factual analysis, government officials requested them to provide the relevant documents. The farmers agreed to submit the required documents as soon as possible.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi requested Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his hunger strike. In response, the farmer leaders acknowledged his concerns but stated that the hunger strike and the protest would continue until the MSP guarantee law is enacted.

Minister Joshi informed the meeting that Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was unable to attend due to his son’s wedding. He proposed that the next round of talks be held on February 22. The farmer leaders agreed, emphasizing that even the most complex issues can be resolved through dialogue, and they remain open to discussions based on facts.

The next meeting on February 22 will include both Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister Pralhad Joshi.

During their journey to the meeting in Chandigarh, a vehicle carrying farmers met with an accident. South Indian farmer leaders Kuruburu Shantakumar and P. R. Pandian were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Rajindra Hospital.