Sat Dec 21 23:33:52 UTC 2024: ## Haryana Political Patriarch Om Prakash Chautala Passes Away at 89

**Gurugram, Haryana –** Om Prakash Chautala, a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana and a towering figure in the state’s politics for over five decades, passed away at his Gurugram residence on Friday at the age of 89. The patriarch of one of Haryana’s most influential political families, Chautala’s career was marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy.

Chautala, son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, entered politics in 1968, eventually becoming Chief Minister five times, though his total tenure was approximately six and a half years. His longest term was from 2000 to 2005. His political career saw him play a key role in the transformation of Gurgaon into the Millennium City.

However, Chautala’s legacy is also intertwined with several controversies. These include a 1978 incident involving the alleged smuggling of wristwatches, and a more significant JBT teachers recruitment scam that led to his conviction in 2013 and a 10-year prison sentence (alongside his son Ajay Chautala). He and his son were released last year. This conviction marked a turning point, contributing to the decline of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the party he led.

The INLD, founded by his father, experienced further turmoil with a family feud leading to the formation of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) by Chautala’s grandson, Dushyant Chautala, in 2019. The JJP’s subsequent success in the 2019 elections underscored the shifting political landscape of Haryana. At the time of his death, the INLD was being led by his son Abhay Chautala.

Chautala’s death marks the end of an era in Haryana politics, leaving behind a complex legacy of both political power and enduring controversy.

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