Fri Dec 20 11:52:44 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Haryana Leader Om Prakash Chautala Passes Away at 89

**Gurugram, India –** Om Prakash Chautala, a prominent figure in Indian politics and former five-time Chief Minister of Haryana, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Chautala, who served as Chief Minister between 1989 and 2005, suffered a cardiac arrest at his Gurugram residence and was unable to be revived despite immediate medical attention.

A seven-time MLA and son of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal, Chautala held a long and impactful, albeit controversial, political career. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by both significant political achievements and legal battles, most notably a 10-year prison sentence stemming from a teacher recruitment scam. He was released from Tihar Jail in July 2021 after serving nine and a half years.

Throughout his career, Chautala was a member of various political coalitions, including the NDA and the Third Front. He also served in the Rajya Sabha.

News of his death prompted condolences from leaders across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, highlighting Chautala’s long tenure in Haryana politics and his dedication to furthering his father’s legacy. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda also offered their tributes, describing Chautala’s passing as an irreparable loss to the state and the nation.

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