January 2, 2025: Diljit Dosanjh’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on New Year’s Day 2025 has sparked a flurry of reactions, especially among the farmers who once considered him a vocal supporter during their 2020 protests. While the singer received accolades from PM Modi, his interaction has raised questions among those who were inspired by his stance on farmer rights.
Diljit, fresh off his successful Dil-Luminati India Tour, concluded his two-month nationwide journey with a high-energy concert in Ludhiana on December 31, 2024. Just one day later, on January 1, 2025, he shared a warm and public moment with Prime Minister Modi, exchanging pleasantries in a video that quickly went viral. The clip showed Dosanjh presenting a bouquet to the Prime Minister and offering a respectful salute, followed by a cheerful “Sat Sri Akal” greeting. PM Modi responded with praise for Diljit’s success, highlighting his roots and global impact: “When a boy from a small village in ‘Hindustan’ shines globally, it fills our hearts with pride.”
While this exchange between the two public figures seemed cordial and positive, it immediately garnered a mixed reaction. Farmer leaders, who had once rallied behind Diljit’s vocal support during the 2020 protests against the controversial farm laws, were quick to express their disappointment.
“Meeting the very Prime Minister who pushed for laws that harm farmers is hard to reconcile with Diljit’s earlier stance,” said a prominent farmer leader at the Shambu border. “If Diljit truly stood with us, he should have joined us in the fight for our rights, not praised the government responsible for our struggles.”
The 2020 farmers’ protests were a significant moment in India’s recent history, with celebrities like Diljit Dosanjh stepping up to show solidarity with the farmers’ cause. His vocal criticism of the government and support for the protestors earned him admiration from many in the farming community. However, this meeting with PM Modi has cast doubt on whether the singer still aligns with those values.
Diljit Dosanjh Bats for Unity
On the other hand, Diljit has maintained that his intent is always to bring people together through music and culture. In a post following the meeting, the artist shared, “It was a fantastic start to the year, a great discussion about music, culture, and India’s rich heritage.” He also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s kind words about his success, expressing admiration for Modi’s recognition of his journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.
PM Modi, in his post on X (formerly Twitter), described the meeting as a great interaction with a “multifaceted” artist who blends talent with tradition. He also mentioned that the two had discussed everything from music to culture, reflecting on India’s global identity.
Despite the warm tone of the exchange, farmer organizations have continued to express their dissatisfaction. “Diljit was once a beacon of hope for the farmers’ cause. Now, it feels like he’s compromised his position,” said another farmer spokesperson.
While the artist’s popularity in Punjab and across India continues to soar, his recent actions might complicate his relationship with his farmer-supporter base. His “Dil-Luminati India Tour” was a resounding success, with packed arenas across major cities, but his political leanings seem to remain a subject of scrutiny, especially now that his actions seem at odds with his earlier advocacy.
For now, Dosanjh’s fans and critics alike are left questioning whether his recent meeting with PM Modi signals a change in his stance or if it’s simply a moment of unity over shared cultural pride. What remains clear is that this encounter has sparked a larger conversation on the intersection of celebrity, politics, and public support for social causes in India.
As Dosanjh’s career progresses and the political landscape shifts, only time will tell whether the singer can maintain his position as a cultural icon while navigating these complicated political waters.
