Who Was Om Prakash Chautala? Know All About The Former Haryana CM

Om Prakash Chautala, the leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and former Chief Minister of Haryana, passed away in Gurugram on Friday. He was aged 89. As per the reports, he died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Who Was Om Prakash Chautala?

Chautala's political journey began in 1970 when he became a member of the Haryana legislative assembly. His career was marked by both achievements and controversies, including legal challenges related to corruption. Despite these issues, he remained a significant figure in Haryana politics.

Born on January 1, 1935, near Sirsa, India, Chautala was a key player in Haryana's political scene. He served multiple terms as Chief Minister, with his most notable tenure from 1999 to 2005. As the leader of INLD, he played an influential role in shaping state politics.

Chautala was last seen publicly during the Haryana Assembly election voting on October 5, 2024. He cast his vote at a polling booth in Sirsa's Chautala village. His presence at this event marked his final public appearance before his passing.

Lesser-Known Aspects of Chautala's Life

Chautala's personal life included several intriguing aspects. He travelled to 152 countries and preferred flying economy class despite his status. While imprisoned in Tihar Jail due to a recruitment scam conviction, he completed his 10th and 12th grades.

His family continues to wield influence in Haryana politics. Chautala's grandson, Dushyant Chautala, serves as Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana. The family's political involvement remains strong despite internal conflicts within their party.

Family and Controversies

Chautala married Sneh Lata, who passed away in August 2019. They had two sons and three daughters who remained active in politics. In 1978, he faced controversy when detained at Delhi Airport for smuggling wristwatches but later reconciled with his father.

The family's residence in Panchkula is valued at around ₹14 crore, much higher than the ₹5.23 lakh valuation during a corruption case against him. This highlights the wealth accumulated by the family over time.

Om Prakash Chautala's death marks the end of an era for many who recognised his contributions to Haryana's development and governance. His legacy continues through his family's ongoing political engagement in the state.