Om Prakash Chautala, former Chief Minister of Haryana and a towering figure in Indian politics, passed away on Friday at the age of 89 in Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital. Struggling with respiratory issues for the past few years, his condition worsened, and he was admitted to the hospital’s emergency ward at 11:35 a.m., where he breathed his last around noon.
Born on January 1, 1935, in Chautala village, Sirsa, Chautala served as Haryana’s Chief Minister four times, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s political fabric. He first assumed office on December 2, 1989, holding the position until May 1990. His subsequent tenures were often turbulent, marked by short stints due to political instability. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated resilience, returning to power multiple times between 1990 and 2000. His longest term spanned from 2000 to 2005, after which his party, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), never regained power in the state.
Chautala's political journey was not without controversies. In 2013, he was convicted in the JBT teacher recruitment scam and served a prison sentence, casting a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career. Nevertheless, his leadership and contributions to Haryana’s development earned him respect across party lines.
Condolences poured in from political leaders across the spectrum. Former Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar hailed Chautala’s contributions, describing him as a leader dedicated to the state’s growth. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda referred to him as a "big brother" and praised his long-standing service to the people.
Om Prakash Chautala’s legacy remains significant in shaping Haryana’s political history, reflecting both his dedication to public service and his ability to navigate challenging political landscapes.
