Om Prakash Chautala, a prominent figure in Haryana politics and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. The former Chief Minister suffered cardiac arrest at his Gurugram residence and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Chautala, a towering political leader, served four terms as Haryana’s Chief Minister, with his last tenure spanning from 1999 to 2005. Known for his deep understanding of grassroots politics, he was a key player in state and national politics, following in the footsteps of his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, Haryana’s former Chief Minister and India’s sixth Deputy Prime Minister.
Born in January 1935, Chautala’s political career began early. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1987 and remained a pivotal force in the state’s development and governance for decades. His tenure saw him navigating alliances, including with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), showcasing his political acumen and leadership.
As Haryana mourns the loss of one of its stalwarts, Chautala’s legacy of leadership, vision, and dedication to public service will remain etched in the state’s history.