Om Prakash Chautala, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo and former Haryana Chief Minister, passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 89. He died at his residence in Gurugram following a cardiac arrest. His death marks the end of a significant political era in Haryana, where he was a dominant figure for decades.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana, Chautala’s political career began in the late 1980s. He first became the Haryana Chief Minister in 1989, but his tenure was brief, lasting only six months. Chautala’s second term, in 1990, was also short-lived, as he resigned within five days. However, he went on to serve two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2005, solidifying his political influence.
Chautala was the son of Chaudhary Devi Lal, the former Deputy Prime Minister of India, and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Haryana. He was known for his grassroots connection with the people of Haryana and his leadership of the INLD, which he helmed for years.
Legal Troubles and Later Years
Despite his long political career, Chautala’s life was marred by controversy. In 2022, he was sentenced to a four-year prison term by the CBI Court in a disproportionate assets case, making him the oldest prisoner at the Tihar Jail at the age of 87. His health had been in decline in recent years, and he was last seen publicly in October 2024 during the Haryana Assembly election.
Family and Legacy
Om Prakash Chautala is survived by his three daughters and two sons, including Abhay Singh Chautala and Ajay Singh Chautala, both of whom have been active in politics. His wife, Sneh Lata, passed away in August 2019.
Chautala’s death has left a void in Haryana’s political scene, and his legacy will continue to shape the region’s politics for years to come.
