Om Prakash Chautala, a veteran Indian politician and a prominent figure in Haryana’s political landscape, passed away on Friday in Gurugram following a cardiac arrest. He was in his early nineties at the time of his death. Chautala was one of the most influential leaders in Haryana, carrying forward the legacy of his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, who served as the sixth Deputy Prime Minister of India.
VIDEO | Visuals from outside Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Indian National Lok Dal president and former #Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala died in Gurugram at the age of 89.
He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and was immediately rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.… pic.twitter.com/eTtDBcmxJd
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 20, 2024
Early Life and Family Legacy
Om Prakash Chautala was born into a politically significant family. His father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, was a towering figure in Indian politics and played a key role in Haryana’s political scene. Inspired by his father’s political ideology and leadership, Chautala entered public life early and dedicated himself to serving the people of Haryana.
Political Career and Achievements
Om Prakash Chautala’s political career spanned decades. He became the Chief Minister of Haryana for the first time in 1989 and held the position multiple times in the 1990s and early 2000s. As a leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), a regional political party in Haryana, Chautala established himself as a strong advocate for the state’s farmers and rural communities.
Under his leadership, the INLD became a formidable force in Haryana politics. His tenure as Chief Minister focused on agricultural development, rural infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Chautala earned a reputation as a grassroots leader who prioritized the needs of farmers and underprivileged sections of society. He was also instrumental in promoting irrigation projects and improving Haryana’s agricultural productivity.
Controversies and Legal Troubles
Chautala’s political career was not without controversies. In 2013, he was convicted in a teacher recruitment scam and sentenced to prison. Despite these challenges, his influence over Haryana politics remained significant, with many loyal supporters continuing to back his leadership.
Leadership in INLD
Since 2001, Om Prakash Chautala served as the President of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). Under his leadership, the party remained a key player in Haryana’s political landscape. Even during challenging times, Chautala’s political strategies and resilience helped keep the party relevant.
Death and Legacy
Om Prakash Chautala passed away on December 20, 2024, after suffering a cardiac arrest at home. His family rushed him to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, but doctors could not save him. His death marks the end of an era in Haryana politics, as he was one of the last stalwarts of his generation. He is remembered for his contributions to the state and his unwavering commitment to his father’s vision of a prosperous Haryana.
VIDEO | “It is very saddening news. He played an important role. He was CM as well. He was a very good administrator and had a very good memory,” says #Haryana minister Anil Vij (@anilvijminister) on the demise of former CM Om Prakash Chautala.#OPChautala pic.twitter.com/DilTxtHzcO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 20, 2024
Deeply saddened by the passing away of veteran leader and former Haryana CM Shri Om Prakash Chautala ji. All his life, he championed the cause of farmers and the poor. His passing away at a time when our farmers are engaged in a fight for justice and survival is a huge loss to… pic.twitter.com/MzUx4Jb9Kw
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) December 20, 2024
VIDEO | Here’s what Congress leader Deepender Hooda (@DeependerSHooda) said on the demise of former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala
“We have received a very sad news… the demise of former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala is a big loss for entire state and the country. He made big… pic.twitter.com/VwibMX4GM8
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 20, 2024
ओपी चौटाला के निधन पर भूपेंद्र सिंह हुड्डा ने जताया दुख.#OmPrakashChautala pic.twitter.com/5mqHlWq6cv
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) December 20, 2024
Delhi: Regarding the demise of former Haryana CM and INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala, JDU leader K.C. Tyagi says, “Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala ji was a symbol of farmer politics and pride in Haryana. With his passing, farmer politics has become orphaned, and a void has emerged… pic.twitter.com/h1tZZ48zR9
— IANS (@ians_india) December 20, 2024
Deeply saddened by the demise of INLD Supremo and former Haryana Chief Minister, Shri Om Prakash Chautala Ji. A veteran leader and statesman, he devoted decades of his life to public service and shaped Haryana’s political landscape. His contributions and legacy will always be… pic.twitter.com/xRSmOUHY8c
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 20, 2024