Farmers protest condemns Shivraj Chouhan’s statement; announces massive gathering at Shambhu on Feb 13
Kisan Mahapanchayat at Ratangarh in Rajasthan on Feb 11, Khanauri on Feb 12 and Shambhu on Feb 13 on completion of a year
Ferozepur (Shambhu Border), February 7, 2025: As the ongoing farmers' protest at Shambhu, Khanauri, and Ratanpura (Rajasthan border) marks one year on February 13, farmer leaders have strongly criticized Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent statement.
The fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued on day 74 at Khanauri. A number of farmers from various villages in Haryana reached Khanauri with water from tube wells in their fields, on Tuesday. The farmers from various other villages in Haryana will reach Khanauri. The farmers are preparing for kisan mahapanchayat at Ratangarh in Rajasthan on Feb 11, Khanauri on Feb 12, and Shambhu on Feb 13, on completion of a year on the roads.
Added here, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, despite his deteriorating health, remained resolute, stating he would continue his hunger strike until the government fulfilled all farmers' demands. He agreed to accept medical aid following the government's offer for talks scheduled on February 14.
Addressing the media from Shambhu Border, Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, condemned Chouhan’s remark that farmers can secure better crop prices by uploading photos of their produce via mobile apps. He termed it a push toward privatized markets, reiterating the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP to prevent farmers from being left at the mercy of private buyers.
Pandher pointed out that farmers growing vegetables, fruits, pulses, and oilseeds—already operating in private markets—are struggling under heavy debt. He emphasized that the ongoing protest has endured extreme weather conditions for a year, proving that it will not fizzle out. Instead, it is expanding, with more people joining the movement. A massive gathering is planned at Shambhu on February 13 to mark the protest’s anniversary.
With thousands of farmers still steadfast at the protest sites, Pandher warned the government that the movement will not end without concrete solutions, including MSP as per Swaminathan Commission recommendations, debt waivers, increased MGNREGA wages, and land rights for tribal communities.
Prominent leaders, including Jarman Jeet Singh Bandala, Baaz Singh Sarangra, Baldev Singh Bagga, and Kanwar Dalip Saido, were present at the Shambhu protest site.