Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on New Year’s Day has sparked strong criticism from farmer leaders involved in ongoing protests. Expressing their disappointment, the farmers questioned Diljit’s commitment to the cause, especially since he had previously shown support for the farmers’ movement. While Diljit called his meeting with Modi a “fantastic start” to the New Year, and the prime minister praised his rise from humble beginnings to international fame, farmers expressed skepticism over his actions.
A farmer leader at the border stated, “If Diljit truly cared about the farmers, he would have come to stand with us at Sambhu Border, listened to our concerns, and supported his earlier statements. Instead, his meeting with PM Modi raises doubts about his intentions,” as reported in a section of the media.
In 2020, Diljit Dosanjh voiced his support for the farmers’ protest, urging the government to meet their demands and advocating for their cause. He also posted on Instagram: “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 addressed. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), is currently on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border, demanding a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, along with other farmer rights. Thousands of farmers, along with tractor-trolleys, have gathered to support him. Despite appeals from the Punjab government to accept medical help, Dallewal has refused. The Supreme Court has intervened, directing the Punjab government to ensure his health and follow the court’s orders regarding his hospitalization.
During his New Year’s Day meeting with PM Modi, Diljit was praised for his accomplishments. Modi said, “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 winning people’s hearts, just as your name suggests.” In response, Diljit remarked, “We used to read that ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’ (My India is great), but when I traveled across India, I realized why people say this.”
Diljit also expressed admiration for 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.”
