Chandigarh: With just two days remaining for the Supreme Court’s deadline, the Punjab government is scrambling to hospitalize fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has refused to end his hunger strike. The protest, centered on demands for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers for farmers, has brought the state to a standstill.
Despite multiple attempts by senior officials to negotiate, Dallewal remains firm on continuing his fast until the demands are met. The Supreme Court has criticized the Punjab government for its handling of the situation, warning that failure to act could lead to contempt of court proceedings.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is caught in a precarious position. Any forced intervention could escalate tensions and potentially lead to violence, while non-compliance with the SC order could result in severe legal consequences for top officials.
“We are trying to find a solution for a graceful exit for both Dallewal and the Punjab government,” a senior official said, emphasizing the risks involved in using force.
The government’s previous attempt to remove Dallewal during the early stages of the protest backfired, fueling anger among farmers and swelling the number of protesters at the Khanauri site.
Farmer leaders have warned of dire consequences if any operation is launched to remove Dallewal forcibly. Sarvan Singh Pandher, a leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, said:
“Dallewal saab has already said he will not relent. It now depends on the Centre and Punjab government whether they want the blood of farmers on their hands.”
Farmers from neighboring villages have been called to reinforce the protest site, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to act without confrontation.
The situation has placed the AAP government under intense scrutiny, with the Opposition criticizing CM Mann for his recent trip to Australia amid the crisis. The timing of the trip, coupled with the delay in addressing the issue, has added to the government’s challenges.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, who recently met Dallewal, expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. However, he also called on the Centre to engage with the agitating farmers, stating, “The Supreme Court should tell the Centre to sort out the issue.”
Legal experts have pointed out that failure to comply with the SC deadline could result in contempt proceedings against Punjab’s top officials. The government now faces two choices: seek a modification of the deadline or ensure compliance by using force to admit Dallewal to a hospital.
The Supreme Court’s next hearing is scheduled for December 31, leaving little time for the state government to act.
The ongoing protest highlights the persisting tensions between farmers and the government over agricultural policies. With civic polls around the corner, the outcome of this standoff could have significant political repercussions for the AAP government in Punjab.
For now, all eyes are on Khanauri, where the Punjab government must navigate a high-stakes situation fraught with risks and uncertainties.