Fasting Dallewal’s health worsens as Centre and state play blame game

The protesting farmers have expressed their willingness to negotiate with the Centre, yet no communication has been forthcoming, even as Dallewal’s health continues to decline.

Efforts by Punjab Police to convince Dallewal to undergo medical examinations have been unsuccessful. A team of doctors was turned away by protesting farmers on Wednesday. “We’ve been urging him to get checked, but he refuses. He’s elderly, a cancer patient, and hasn’t allowed any tests or intravenous fluids. Forcing him into a hospital could escalate tensions,” said an official.

The situation echoes the 2015 hunger strike of Sikh activist Surat Singh Khalsa, who was moved to a hospital by police when his condition worsened. Unlike Dallewal, Khalsa had cooperated with medical teams.

Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu expressed concern over Dallewal’s health, noting that he has lost 15 kg so far. “I’ve raised this issue with senior leadership and will do so again. But why is the Punjab CM silent? He should be pressing the Centre to act—it’s his state, and he can’t let this happen,” said Bittu.

AAP spokesperson Neel Garg shifted the responsibility to the Centre. “The Centre must listen to farmers. Their demands are directed at the Union government. Over 750 farmers have already lost their lives — how many more do they want?” he said.

When questioned about AAP’s muted response, Garg defended the Punjab government. “I’m sure the CM and others have made numerous appeals,” he added, without specifying any recent efforts.