Diljit Dosanjh's Meet With PM Modi Draws Flak from Farmer Leaders Amid Ongoing Protests

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on New Year's Day has sparked strong criticism from protesting farmer leaders, as reported by The Times of India.

Farmers expressed disappointment over Diljit Dosanjh's meeting with Modi, given his previous support for the farmers' movement.

Photo Credit: PTI

They questioned the singer's commitment to the cause. Diljit described his meeting with the prime minister as a "fantastic start" to the New Year, while Modi praised his journey from "humble beginnings to international stardom."

"If Diljit truly cared about farmers, he would have come and joined us in solidarity with Dallewal Ji at Sambhu Border, listened to our concerns, and stood by his earlier statements. Instead, meeting PM Modi raises doubts about his intentions," a farmer leader at the border was quoted as saying by ToI.

Diljit Dosanjh's Support in 2020

In 2020, Diljit Dosanjh voiced his support for the farmers' protest, urging the government to meet their demands and advocating for their cause. The same year, he posted on Instagram in support of the farmers: "25 September. We all will stand with the farmer community. Every single person of all age groups from Punjab is standing with the farmers. Everyone who is defending the bill, at least try to talk to the farmers. Punjabi language has been eradicated from Government languages in Jammu and Kashmir. What is happening?"

The farmers have reiterated that their struggle will continue until their demands are met.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the convener of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border, pressuring the government to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Thousands of farmers, along with many tractor-trolleys, have gathered at the Khanauri site to support him. Despite efforts from the Punjab government to convince Dallewal to accept medical assistance, he has refused. The Supreme Court has intervened, instructing the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal's health and comply with its orders regarding his hospitalisation.

Diljit-PM Modi Meeting

During their New Year's Day meeting, PM Modi praised Diljit for his achievements, saying, "When a boy from a small village in 'Hindustan' shines on the global stage, it feels amazing. Your family named you Diljit, and you keep on winning people's hearts, just as your name suggests."

Diljit replied, "We used to read that 'Mera Bharat Mahan' (My India is great), but when I travelled across India, I realised why people say this."

The singer-actor also spoke highly of Modi's personal journey, saying, "I had watched your interview, sir. The position of Prime Minister is great, but behind it, there is a mother, a son, and a human being. Many times, this half-truth is much larger when you carry your mother and the sacred Ganga with you. That touches the heart."