Five-time Chief Minister of the state in Haryana, Om Prakash Chautala, died on Friday in Gurugram at the age of 89 after a heart stoppage, as per sources. His death is the closing of a vibrant yet politically divisive period. Noting his status as the helmsman of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Chautala’s political influence over Haryana was unmatched. Even in the success of his career, accusations and legal problems remained a constant companion, aspect of his life.
OM Prakash Chautala passes away but his political legacy was entirely based upon his father’s vision of Chaudhary Devi Lal, an earlier Deputy Prime Minister of India. After his father’s journey to the top of the political heap and across the river of time to five non-consecutive spells at the helm of Haryana, Om Prakash Chautala continued the journey of his father’s ascendancy, becoming the face of Haryana through five non-consecutive-spells-as-Chief Minister. His first term in 1989 followed the entry of Devi Lal to the central government, but within a matter of months, his brief period ended due to constitutional constraints.
OM Prakash Chautala passes away after a stellar political career
Om Prakash Chautala passes away, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with achievements and controversies. His political life included short spells in 1990 and 1991 followed by stabilization in 1996, when he assumed the Chief Minister’s office with BJP support. His last posting (from 1999 to 2005) has made him a central character in Haryana politics. Aside from state politics, Chautala engaged in national coalitions such as the NDA and the Third Front.
Controversies also defined Chautala’s career. His 2013 conviction for illegally recruiting junior teachers resulted in a ten-year jail term. He was also ensnared in a disproportionate assets case and convicted in 2022. However, despite these failures, Chautala’s standing in Haryana continued to be strong, and his family occupied both commanding political roles.
Om Prakash Chautala passes away, but his legacy in the political space of Haryana and the legacy of the INLD are indelibly marked on the people’s minds. His son Abhay and grandson Dushyant Chautala carry forward the family’s political baton.
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