Om Prakash Chautala, popularly known as OP Chautala, is a prominent Indian politician and a strongman from the Jat community. He has served as the Chief Minister of Haryana for five terms and has been a dominant figure in Haryana politics for over four decades. His political career has been marked by controversies, but he remains a popular leader among the Jat community in Haryana.

Early Life and Entry into Politics

OP Chautala was born on January 1, 1935, in the village of Chautala in Sirsa district of Haryana. He comes from a politically influential family, with his father Chaudhary Devi Lal being a prominent leader of the Jat community and former Deputy Prime Minister of India. OP Chautala completed his education from Delhi University and started his political career by joining his fathers Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) party.

In 1980, he contested his first election from the Rori constituency in Haryana and won with a huge margin. This marked the beginning of his long political journey that would see him become one of the most powerful leaders in Haryana.

Rise to Power

OP Chautalas rise to power can be attributed to his strong leadership skills and his ability to connect with the masses. He was known for his charismatic personality and was often referred to as "Tau" (uncle) by his supporters. His popularity among the Jat community helped him win elections after elections, making him one of the most successful politicians in Haryana.

In 1987, he became the Chief Minister of Haryana for the first time when he led INLD to victory in the state assembly elections. He went on to serve four more terms as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2005 making him one of the longest-serving chief ministers in India.

Jat Strongman

OP Chautalas dominance in Haryana politics can be attributed to his strong hold over the Jat community. The Jats, who form a significant portion of the population in Haryana, have always been a crucial vote bank for any political party. OP Chautalas father, Devi Lal, was also a popular leader among the Jats, and OP Chautala successfully carried forward his legacy.

He was known for his ability to mobilize the Jat community and garner their support during elections. His policies and schemes were often focused on the development of rural areas and agriculture, which resonated with the Jat community. He also played a crucial role in bringing the Jats into the mainstream political arena and giving them a voice in state politics.

Controversies

OP Chautalas political career has not been without controversies. In 2008, he was convicted in a corruption case and sentenced to 10 years in prison along with his son Ajay Chautala. The case involved illegal recruitment of teachers during his tenure as Chief Minister. However, he was released on bail after serving only two years in prison.

In 2013, he was again convicted in another corruption case related to irregularities in recruitment of junior basic trained (JBT) teachers and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment along with his son Ajay Chautala. This time, he was denied bail and had to serve out his full sentence.

Despite these controversies, OP Chautala remains a popular leader among the Jat community and continues to hold significant influence over Haryana politics.

Legacy

OP Chautalas legacy lies in his contribution towards the development of Haryana as a state. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he focused on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture in rural areas. He also played an instrumental role in bringing industries to Haryana and boosting its economy.

His leadership style has been described as authoritarian, but he was also known for his ability to connect with the masses and address their issues. He was a strong advocate for the rights of farmers and worked towards improving their conditions.

Today, OP Chautalas son, Abhay Singh Chautala, is the leader of INLD and is carrying forward his fathers legacy. However, OP Chautalas health has been deteriorating in recent years, and he has taken a backseat from active politics.

In Conclusion

OP Chautala is a prominent figure in Haryana politics and a strongman from the Jat community. His rise to power can be attributed to his strong leadership skills and popularity among the Jats. Despite facing controversies, he remains a popular leader among his supporters and has left a lasting impact on Haryanas political landscape.