Gurugram: Former chief minister of Haryana Om Prakash Chautala passed away on December 20 at the age of 89. He breathed his last at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been admitted after his health deteriorated earlier in the day. Chautala was a prominent figure in Haryana politics, known for his long political career and association with Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).
Following his demise, Chautala’s body was taken to his ancestral village, Teja Kheda, where arrangements have been made for people to pay their respects. His body will be kept for public viewing from 8 am to 2 pm on Saturday (December 21) and the last rites will be performed with full state honors later in the afternoon.
State mourning declared in Haryana
Haryana government announced three days of state mourning, from December 20 to December 22, to honour the late leader. A one-day state holiday has also been declared on December 21. During this period, all government entertainment programs will remain suspended, and schools across the state will remain closed on December 21.
Known for his charismatic leadership, Om Prakash Chautala was an MLA seven times and served as the chief minister of Haryana five times. He carried forward the political legacy of his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, former deputy Prime Minister.
PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi express condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his condolences on the demise of Chautala. Sharing a photograph with the former Chief Minister, PM Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala ji. He remained active in state politics for years and constantly worked to take forward the vision of Chaudhary Devi Lal ji. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to Chautala. Posting on the social media platform X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala ji. I pay my humble tribute to him and express my deepest condolences to his family and supporters.”
