Four times CM of Haryana, inherited politics, how was Chautala's political journey?

Om Prakash Chautala: Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala passed away at the age of 89. He was ill for a long time and breathed his last at his residence in Gurugram on Friday. Om Prakash Chautala's political journey has left a deep mark in the politics of Haryana and the country. Let's take a look at his life and career.

Who was Om Prakash Chautala?

Om Prakash Chautala inherited politics. He was the son of former Deputy Prime Minister of the country and former Haryana Chief Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. OP Chautala was the eldest of Devi Lal's four sons. Carrying forward his father's political legacy, he served the state as the Chief Minister of Haryana four times.

Early life

OP Chautala was born on January 1, 1935 in Chautala village in Sirsa district of Haryana. His father Chaudhary Devi Lal was an influential politician of Haryana. Following in his father's footsteps, Chautala raised his voice for the farmers and the Jat community. Soon he became a big leader of the backward classes and he had a deep penetration in the Jat community.

Political journey

Tenures of Chief Minister

Om Prakash Chautala became the Chief Minister of Haryana four times. His every tenure was full of political turmoil and challenges.

First term (1989-1990): OP Chautala first assumed the post of Chief Minister on December 2, 1989. His tenure ended on May 22, 1990.

Second term (1990): He became the Chief Minister again on July 12, 1990, but this tenure lasted only five days.

Third term (1991): For the third time, he was the Chief Minister from March 22 to April 6, 1991.

Fourth term (1999-2005): His longest and most important tenure was from July 24, 1999 to March 5, 2005. During this time he started many schemes to improve the agriculture and rural infrastructure of Haryana.

Controversies and challenges

Chautala's political career was not untouched by controversies. He was accused of corruption in his fourth term and later had to go to jail. After the return of Congress to power in 2005, the INLD weakened. The party split due to differences between his sons Ajay and Abhay. Currently, there are only two INLD MLAs in the Haryana Assembly, who are members of his family.

Chautala's legacy

Om Prakash Chautala left a deep mark in Haryana politics. He was not only a leader of the Jat community, but he also always raised his voice for the rights of farmers and backward classes. During his tenure, many important initiatives were taken in the rural development and agriculture sector of Haryana. Although his life ended amid controversies and family divisions, he will be remembered as an important chapter in Haryana politics.