Om Prakash Chautala, 5-time Haryana CM and Jat stalwart, passes away at 89

JANUARY 1935-DECEMBER 2024

- SWATI MAHAJAN

CHANDIGARH: Om Prakash Chautala, a towering figure in Haryana politics and five-time chief minister, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Known for his sharp political instincts, a career marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies, and his enduring association with the Jat community, Chautala left an indelible mark on Indian politics.

According to a party spokesperson, Chautala collapsed at his home on Friday morning following complaints of hiccups. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead. The Haryana government has declared a three-day state mourning, with Saturday, the day of his funeral, designated a public holiday. Chautala will be accorded a state funeral at 3 pm at Teja Khera farm in the Chautala family's native Sirsa district.

Born on January 1, 1935, in Chautala village, he was the eldest son of Devi Lal, India's former deputy prime minister and the founder of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). Chautala carried forward his father's political legacy, though he never quite achieved the legendary status of Devi Lal, often referred to as the "messiah of farmers."

Chautala's political career began in 1970 when he was elected to the Haryana Assembly from the Ellenabad constituency. Over the years, he represented several constituencies, including Narwana, Uchan, Darba Kalan, and Rori, cementing his influence across the state.

His first stint as Haryana's chief minister came in 1989 when his father assumed the role of deputy prime minister in the Janata Dal government.