Union Minister Ravneet Bittu appeals to farm leader Dalewal to end fast and join talks with centre

In a video message, Bittu addressed Dallewal, "Your health is more important, and your life is precious for the people of Punjab as your leadership would always be needed for the struggle of farmers and farm labourers".

Bittu said that all BJP ministers and senior leaders during the Lok Sabha session had inquired from him about wellbeing of Dallewal and extended their wishes for his wellbeing.

He said that the central government had held a series of meetings on the demands of farmers and wanted to continue the talks. He said that he was making an appeal to Dallewal on behalf of the central government and the people of Punjab to end the hunger strike and come forward for discussion with the central government.

Bittu said that he understood the pain of farmers as he also belongs to a farmer family and sat on dharna for over one year at Jantar Mantar in support of farmer demands. He wished that Dallewal would succeed in his mission and continue to serve the people of Punjab for a long time. He hoped that Dallewal would abandon the fast before he joined the meeting with the center on May 4.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan also appealed to farmer leaders to end the protest and join the talks scheduled for May 4.

"The ongoing process of talks between the representatives of the Government of India and the representatives of farmers' organizations regarding their demands is continuing. Farmer leader Shri Jagjit Singh Dallewal has now returned from the hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery. We also request them to end their fast and we will meet with the representatives of farmers organizations for talks on 4th May at 11 am as per the already decided date," the Agriculture Minister said.