Jat leader & ex-Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala passes away
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New Delhi: Prominent Jat leader and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala whose career was marked by dizzying highs and rock-bottom lows, including stints in jail, died on Friday. He was 89.
He is survived by two sons and three daughters. His wife, Sneh Lata, passed away over five years ago.
An Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) spokesperson said Chautala had hiccups in the morning and collapsed in his Gurugram home. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died.
The eldest son of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal, Chautala, the five-time chief minister, headed the INLD, founded by his father.
Chautala's younger son and INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala said, "In his entire life, he saw many ups and downs -- both on the political and the family front -- but he never lost courage."
"As chief minister, he took several decisions that are examples even today," he said, referring to Haryana's development under the Chautala-led INLD government.
He had a big hand in Gurugram's development, Abhay Singh Chautala told reporters in Gurugram.
"Not only have I lost my father, but the farming community has lost a voice… We will continue to follow his footsteps," he added.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in for Chautala from across the political spectrum.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Chautala's contribution to the state's political landscape would always be remembered.
According to an official statement in the evening, the chief minister said Chautala's personality was a reflection of simplicity and resilience.
The Haryana government declared a three-day state mourning on Friday. It has also declared Saturday a public holiday.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar will attend Chautala's last rites on Saturday.