The five-time Chief Minister and son of former deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, OP Chautala, passed away at his residence in Gurugram on Friday. He will be cremated in Sirsa district on Saturday and is survived by his two sons and three daughters. Following his release from jail in 2021, Chautala made efforts to form a third front and met several prominent leaders before his death.
Om Prakash Chautala: A Legacy in Indian Politics
Om Prakash Chautala (1935-2023) was a legendary Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Haryana five times. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and a significant figure in Indian politics for over four decades.
Background:
Chautala's political career began in 1957 when he was elected as a member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. He rose through the ranks, becoming Chief Minister for the first time in 1989. His tenure was marked by ambitious infrastructure projects, agricultural reforms, and the establishment of the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University.
However, Chautala's political journey was not without controversy. In 2003, he and his son Ajay Chautala were convicted of illegally recruiting teachers in the Haryana Public Service Commission. They were sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment, which they served for eight years before being released in 2021.
Post-Prison Release and Legacy:
After his release, Chautala made efforts to revive the INLD and formed a third front to challenge the ruling parties in Haryana. He met with various leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav, to discuss this possibility.
Chautala's legacy in Indian politics is mixed. He was known for his populist policies and his commitment to protecting the interests of farmers and backward communities. However, his conviction for corruption and the controversies surrounding his family cast a shadow over his reputation.
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