Om Prakash Chautala, former Haryana CM and Dushyant Chautala's grandfather, passes away at 89

Former Haryana Chief Minister and an Indian National Lok Dal veteran politician Om Prakash Chautala has passed away in Gurgaon, an INLD spokesperson told news agency PTI on Friday. He was 89.

Chautala was a five-term Haryana Chief Minister and former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's son.

He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and was immediately rushed to hospital but could not be saved, the INLD spokesperson said.


He was the grandfather of former Haryana deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala.

Who was O.P. Chautala?

Born into a family deeply rooted in Indian politics, Chautala was influenced by his father, Devi Lal, a prominent advocate for farmers' rights.

This strong political foundation propelled him into the political arena, where he eventually succeeded his father as a leader in Haryana's regional politics.

Chautala became Haryana's Chief Minister in December 1989 and served multiple terms until 2005. Known for his political acumen and grassroots appeal, he played a crucial role in shaping the state’s political landscape.

His ability to form strategic alliances with national parties, including the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Third Front, showcased his political dexterity.

Chautala's family remains a significant force in Haryana's politics. His two sons, Abhay Singh Chautala and Ajay Singh Chautala, as well as his grandson Dushyant Chautala, have continued his political legacy.

Abhay Singh has served as the Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, while Dushyant, who founded the Jannayak Janta Party, served as Haryana's Deputy Chief Minister from 2019 to 2024.

Also read: From CM's chair to behind bars: The life and times of O.P. Chautala

A scandal-ridden Chief Minister

As Chief Minister, Chautala introduced several initiatives focused on rural development, irrigation, and infrastructure, helping transform Haryana during his tenure. However, his achievements were marred by scandals.

In 2013, Chautala and his son Ajay were convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison for their involvement in a teacher recruitment scam, where over 3,000 unqualified teachers were illegally appointed. This conviction was upheld by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

In 2022, Chautala was convicted in a disproportionate assets case, sentenced to four years in prison, and fined Rs 50 lakh. At the age of 87, he became the oldest prisoner in Tihar Jail, further complicating his political legacy.

After serving nearly ten years of his sentence, he was released in July 2021 due to a government initiative to reduce prison overcrowding amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the controversies that tainted his career, Chautala's influence on Haryana's political landscape remains undeniable.