Centre-Farmers’ Talks on February 14, Fasting Jagjit Dallewal Accepts Medical Aid

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. The Centre has agreed to meet with protesting farmers on February 14.
2. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on a 54-day fast, agreed to take medical aid.
3. Dallewal’s fast will continue until the Centre agrees to a legal guarantee on MSP.
4. The Centre’s agricultural delegation met Dallewal and urged him to take medical aid.
5. Farmers urged Dallewal to recover and join the talks on February 14.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Centre-Farmers’ Talks on February 14

The Centre has agreed to hold a crucial meeting with protesting farmers on February 14, in response to their ongoing demands. A primary focus of the talks will be the demand for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, which farmers have long advocated for. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the prominent farmer leader, had been on an indefinite hunger strike for 54 days. After intense pressure and concerns over his health, Dallewal decided to take medical aid but vowed to continue his fast until the Centre agreed to provide a legal guarantee on MSP.

Dallewal’s Health and Medical Aid

Dallewal’s health had deteriorated significantly due to the prolonged fast. Reports from fellow farmers and leaders indicated that he was unable to consume water and had been vomiting. Doctors warned that his condition was critical, which led to the decision to provide him with medical support. A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture met with Dallewal and other farmer representatives, urging him to break his fast so that he could participate in the upcoming talks.

Concerns Over Other Fasting Farmers

Before agreeing to medical aid, Dallewal had insisted that the 121 other farmers fasting in solidarity with him should also provide consent. This was a significant step, as Dallewal’s fast had inspired several other farmers to join him in this extreme protest. Some 111 farmers, followed by 10 more, had pledged to continue their hunger strike until a resolution was reached. The collective effort highlighted the seriousness of their demands.

Scheduled Meeting in Chandigarh

The much-anticipated meeting will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh. This meeting will be vital for resolving the ongoing deadlock. The Centre’s delegation, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, had visited Dallewal to check on his health. Officials were concerned about his deteriorating condition and urged him to end his fast in order to attend the February 14 meeting.

Previous Meetings and Political Context

Earlier talks between the Centre and the farmers, held in February of the previous year, had failed to yield any substantial agreements. Despite four rounds of meetings, including on February 8, 12, 15, and 18, there was no breakthrough on the MSP issue. In addition, the timing of the meeting had been influenced by the political calendar, with Delhi’s Assembly elections scheduled for February 5. The model code of conduct was expected to be in effect until February 9, which had led to the delay in talks.

Dallewal’s Weight Loss and Health Impact

As of Thursday, Dallewal had lost around 20 kilograms during his fasting ordeal. His weight had reduced from 86.9 kg to 66.4 kg, which added to concerns about his physical well-being. The fast has become a symbol of the larger farmer protest movement, and Dallewal’s health has drawn national attention.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. The Centre has proposed a meeting with farmers on February 14 to discuss MSP.
2. Jagjit Dallewal accepted medical aid after 54 days of fasting.
3. Dallewal’s fast will continue until MSP legal guarantees are agreed upon.
4. Other farmers in solidarity with Dallewal also fasted, highlighting the seriousness of the protest.
5. The scheduled meeting in Chandigarh will be pivotal in resolving the crisis.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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