New Delhi: A felicitation ceremony organised by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) to celebrate the victory of two of its legislators in the 2014 Haryana Assembly elections attracted attention as Pakistani parliamentarian Abdul Rehman Kanju attended as a special guest. Held in the Chautala village of Sirsa during Diwali festivities, the event drew notable interest from locals, particularly the youth, due to Kanju’s presence.
The INLD shared the event highlights on social media, showcasing the warm welcome extended by Chautala’s residents to Abdul Rehman Kanju, the distinguished guest of honour. The celebration marked the resurgence of INLD’s influence in Haryana and underscored the Chautala family’s continued leadership in regional politics.
After a major setback in the 2019 elections, with only Abhay Singh Chautala securing a seat, INLD experienced modest gains in 2024. This year, Arjun Chautala won the Rania seat, while Aditya Devilal Chautala clinched Dabwali, each by a margin of around 50,000 votes.
Kanju’s emotional tribute
During his speech, Abdul Rehman Kanju expressed heartfelt thanks to the villagers of Chautala for their hospitality, describing himself as deeply moved by their affection. Recalling his ancestral roots in a village near Punjab, Kanju shared memories of the Chautala family’s support following his father’s passing.
He commended the Chautala family’s long-standing commitment to public welfare and extended Diwali greetings, offering prayers for the health being of former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala. Addressing the crowd, he urged young people to honour and respect their elders, acknowledging them as valuable guides in life.
INLD expresses gratitude
In an official statement, the INLD expressed gratitude for Kanju’s participation, saying that his presence added special significance to the evening’s celebration of Arjun and Aditya’s electoral success. The statement conveyed the appreciation of the Chautala family and villagers for the honour of hosting the distinguished guest.
Chautala village, a prominent locality in Haryana’s Sirsa district, has a proud history of public service, with five members of Parliament, 14 MLAs and a former Deputy Prime Minister emerging from the region.
