Om Prakash Chautala: Five-Time Haryana Chief Minister and Veteran INLD Leader Passes Away at 89

New Delhi: Om Prakash Chautala, a towering figure in Haryana politics and a five-time Chief Minister of the state, passed away at the age of 89 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Gurgaon. A seasoned leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Chautala's political career spanned decades and witnessed dramatic highs and lows.

Born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana, Chautala hailed from a politically prominent family. He was the eldest son of Chaudhary Devi Lal, a former Deputy Prime Minister of India and an influential leader in Haryana’s politics. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chautala entered the political arena and quickly rose to prominence, leveraging the family’s legacy of public service.

Chautala’s journey as Chief Minister began in 1989, but his tenure lasted only six months. His subsequent stints as Chief Minister in 1990 and 1991 were also short-lived due to political turmoil, including the imposition of President’s Rule in the state. However, he later secured two consecutive terms between 1999 and 2005, solidifying his position as one of Haryana’s most impactful leaders.

Chautala was instrumental in shaping Haryana’s development during his tenure. His administration focused on rural development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects, leaving a lasting imprint on the state’s socio-economic fabric. Known for his grassroots connection, he garnered strong support, especially among farmers and rural communities.

Chautala’s political legacy is carried forward by his family. His younger son, Abhay Singh Chautala, now leads the Indian National Lok Dal, while his elder son, Ajay Singh Chautala, broke away to form the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) in 2019. The family remains a significant force in Haryana politics, with his grandsons also actively involved. Dushyant Chautala, Ajay’s son, made history as the youngest-ever Lok Sabha MP in 2014 and currently serves as Haryana’s Deputy Chief Minister.

Om Prakash Chautala’s life was a reflection of India’s dynamic and often tumultuous political landscape. From steering Haryana’s growth to navigating complex legal battles, his story is one of both achievement and adversity. As the state bids farewell to this veteran leader, his contributions to Haryana’s development and his enduring political legacy will be remembered for generations to come.