INLD Chief and Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala Passes Away at 89

Om Prakash Chautala, the supremo of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana, passed away on December 20 in Gurugram at the age of 89.

According to a party spokesperson, the former CM succumbed to cardiac arrest. His last public appearance was on October 5, during the Haryana Assembly election voting at a polling booth in his ancestral village of Chautala, Sirsa.

Born to Chaudhary Devi Lal, a former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Chautala emerged as a significant political force, serving as Haryana’s seventh Chief Minister.

Despite his towering influence in state politics, Chautala’s career was marred by controversies and legal battles, which shaped his complex legacy.

Political Ascendancy and Controversies

Om Prakash Chautala began his political journey in 1968, contesting his first election from Ellenabad.

Although he initially lost, his persistence paid off when a by-election victory marked his entry into the Haryana Assembly. From there, Chautala steadily rose through the ranks, aligning closely with his father’s political ambitions.

Devi Lal, instrumental in Haryana’s creation in 1966, had founded the INLD in 1996 and served as both Haryana’s Chief Minister and India’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Chautala’s political career was not without its challenges. In 1978, he faced backlash for being detained at Delhi airport with a bag of wristwatches, which led to a public fallout with his father.

Over time, Chautala managed to regain his political footing, leading campaigns like the “Nyaya Yudh” and aligning with his father to strengthen the INLD.

Chief Ministerial Stints and Leadership

Chautala holds the distinction of serving as Haryana’s Chief Minister four times, with his tenures spanning 1989–1990, 1990–1991, and 1999–2005.

While his leadership brought significant changes to the state, including the transformation of Gurgaon into a modern city, his terms were often cut short by political and administrative turbulence.

One of the most tumultuous episodes of his career occurred during his first term in 1990.

Allegations of booth capturing in Meham led to repolling, political violence, and his eventual resignation. Despite these setbacks, Chautala returned to power multiple times, showcasing his resilience and political acumen.

Legal Battles and Imprisonment

Chautala’s later years were overshadowed by legal troubles. In 2013, he was convicted in the Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers’ recruitment scam, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence.

He was released in 2020, but further legal woes followed. In 2022, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court sentenced him to four years in prison for disproportionate assets, making him one of India’s oldest prisoners at 87.

Despite his convictions, Chautala’s family alleged political conspiracies behind his legal troubles, particularly blaming the Congress Party.

His struggles significantly impacted the INLD’s political fortunes, leading to its decline in Haryana politics.

Family Legacy and Political Influence

Chautala belonged to one of Haryana’s most influential political families. His son Abhay Singh Chautala, an MLA from Ellenabad, has been a prominent opposition leader.

His grandson, Dushyant Chautala, broke away from the INLD to form the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), which played a crucial role in Haryana’s coalition government after the 2019 elections.

Despite these internal family divisions, Chautala’s political lineage continues to shape Haryana’s political landscape.

A Mixed Legacy

Om Prakash Chautala’s career encapsulated the highs and lows of political life.

While he was celebrated for his role in modernizing Haryana and his dedication to public service, his legacy is also intertwined with controversies and corruption allegations.

As a leader, he was both revered and criticized, leaving behind a mixed legacy in Haryana politics.

Chautala’s life story serves as a reminder of the complexities of Indian political dynasties. His contributions to the state, coupled with his resilience in the face of adversity, ensure that he remains a pivotal figure in Haryana’s history.