January 2, 2025: Diljit Dosanjh‘s recent New Year’s Day meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stirred a wave of reactions, with his supporters and critics alike weighing in on the significance of the encounter. The singer’s interaction with Modi, which was described by both parties as a “fantastic start” to 2025, has raised questions among the very farmers he supported during the 2020 protests against the controversial farm laws. Many are now questioning whether this high-profile meeting signals a shift in his stance on farmers’ rights.
The singer, who has long been vocal about his support for the farmers’ protest, celebrated the end of his “Dil-Luminati India Tour” in Ludhiana on December 31, 2024. He then enjoyed a highly publicized meeting with PM Modi on January 1, 2025, at the Prime Minister’s office in Delhi. The interaction, shared widely on social media, shows Dosanjh greeting PM Modi with a bouquet and a salute, with both exchanging pleasantries in Punjabi. PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Diljit, calling him a global ambassador of talent who made his family proud.
“Diljit Dosanjh’s journey from a small village to international recognition is inspiring. He has truly made his mark on the global stage,” Modi said. However, while the Prime Minister’s words were filled with praise, the meeting has not been well-received by everyone.
Farmer leaders, who have been critical of the Modi government’s handling of the 2020 farm laws, have expressed disappointment over Diljit’s choice to meet the Prime Minister. Many are questioning whether his gesture of support for the farmers’ cause was just a passing phase.
One leader, speaking from the Shambu border where farmers had gathered during the protests, stated, “If Diljit Dosanjh truly cared about the farmers, he would have come to join us in solidarity. Instead, this meeting with Modi raises serious questions about his intentions. We stand by the cause, and we expect him to do the same.”
I believe in the power of unity – Diljit Dosanjh after meeting PM Modi
This reaction highlights the deep divide between the music icon’s public image and the expectations of his fanbase among farmers, who once looked to him for support. Despite this backlash, Diljit remains unfazed and continues to celebrate his successes, calling the meeting with PM Modi a meaningful and positive beginning to 2025.
“I have always believed in the power of unity, culture, and music to bring people together,” Diljit Dosanjh commented on social media. “The Prime Minister and I share a mutual respect for our heritage, and it was a great discussion about India’s culture and music.”
Diljit’s “Dil-Luminati India Tour” concluded in Ludhiana after two months of electrifying performances across major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru. The tour, initially set to wrap up in Guwahati on December 29, added Ludhiana as a last-minute stop, much to the delight of his fans in Punjab.
While the New Year’s Day meeting has sparked controversy, it has also brought Diljit into the spotlight for his multifaceted persona. Known for blending his music with traditional Punjabi culture, the singer remains a beloved figure among many Indians, though his political leanings may continue to be a point of contention.
The clash between Diljit’s entertainment career and his political affiliations is far from over, and it remains to be seen how this interaction with the Prime Minister will impact his relationship with his fanbase in the coming months.