Dallewal's blood pressure fluctuating, condition has deteriorated: Doctors

Farmer leader Dallewal's health deteriorates after 42-day hunger strike, refuses medical aid despite worsening condition.

The condition of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 42 days to press for farmers' demands, "deteriorated" on Monday evening (January 6, 2025) with a drop in his blood pressure, doctors present at the protest site said.

Earlier in the day, a Supreme Court-appointed panel met 70-year-old Mr. Dallewal and urged him to take medical aid. He has so far refused to take medical assistance, offered by the Punjab government following the apex court's directions.

Mr. Dallewal's blood pressure dropped to 80/56 and is fluctuating, the doctors said.

"His condition has deteriorated. His blood pressure dropped sharply. After seeing his condition, we got worried. We cannot give him any medical assistance," said Dr Avtar Singh.

"We lifted his legs following which his blood flow improved a little bit," said Mr. Singh, who is part of a team of NGO '5 Rivers Heart Association'.

"His blood pressure and pulse rate are fluctuating," he said.

Mr. Dallewal, who is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been on the indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 last year over farmers' various demands including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.