Chandigarh : Om Prakash Chautala, a towering figure in Haryana’s Jat politics and the eldest son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, has passed away, marking the end of a significant political chapter in the state. A five-time Chief Minister of Haryana, Chautala holds the distinction of being the first non-Congress CM to complete a full term, a feat he achieved from 2000 to 2005.

A Leader Born of Adversity

Born on January 1, 1935, Chautala faced hardship early in life, leaving his education unfinished due to his father’s imprisonment. Despite this setback, he carved a political path for himself, beginning his career as CM in 1989 and later forming the Haryana Lok Dal in 1996. The party, later renamed the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), became a key player in Haryana’s politics.

A Controversial Legacy

Chautala’s political journey was not without controversy. In 2012, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the JBT recruitment scam. During his time in Tihar Jail, Chautala turned his focus to education, passing his Class 10 examination, a testament to his determination and belief in linking education to self-respect.

Bollywood Inspiration

Chautala’s prison education journey inspired the Bollywood film Dasvi, where Abhishek Bachchan portrayed his character, bringing his story to a wider audience and receiving critical acclaim.

A Visionary Leader

Despite his legal troubles, Chautala’s contributions to Haryana’s political landscape remain significant. His alliances, particularly with the BSP in the 1998 elections, brought notable success to his party. Under his leadership, the INLD gained recognition as a key force in Haryana politics, shaping the state’s political dynamics for decades.

As Haryana bids farewell to one of its most iconic leaders, Om Prakash Chautala’s legacy will remain a subject of discussion and reflection in the years to come.