Bagri belt didn’t understand my affection: Haryana ex-Power Minister at Sirsa workers’ meet

Former Haryana Power Minister Ranjit Singh, the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal, delivered an emotional address during a workers’ meeting in Sirsa on Sunday.

Taking about his political journey, Singh said the people of the Bagri belt had failed to value the care and attention he had given them over the years.

“People used to come straight to my house when they faced any problem. I always kept three personal assistants available, and I was probably the only minister who picked up the phone himself. If I missed a call, I would always call back,” Singh said. “Maybe, I showed too much affection. But the Bagri belt didn’t understand it.”

He expressed concern over the current condition of political leadership in the region, saying most constituencies in Sirsa now felt abandoned.

Singh said those who turned away from him were now realising that they had made the wrong decision.

“They now say that a wrong choice was made, but we have four years left. The struggle is long, and I am not stepping back,” he added.

Remembering his father Chaudhary Devi Lal, Singh said he was taught never to stop or get disheartened by challenges.

He announced plans to organise a major rally on Devi Lal’s birth or death anniversary, inviting workers from all over the state to unite for a new beginning.

“A true people’s leader faces struggles. We must prepare ourselves, stay strong, and keep moving,” he told the gathering. Singh said he always remained accessible, even as a Cabinet Minister.

“I’m going district to district, speaking directly with workers. If I’m not at home, my son or grandson will listen to your concerns. We’re reading the public mood, and after this, we’ll hold a joint meeting and take decisions together,” he added.

Singh recalled an incident from 1982 when an IAS officer in Sirsa had refused to carry out a task, calling it a “court matter”. Singh said he noted the officer’s name and, after returning to power, had him suspended.

“He stood outside my house till 2 am, pleaded for forgiveness, and, later, even called me offering help. No officer has the courage to stop our work if it’s for the people,” he said.

Singh lost the 2024 Assembly election in Rania as an Independent candidate, finishing third behind his grandson Arjun Chautala, who won the poll.

Before that, he had lost the Hisar Lok Sabha seat after the BJP denied him a ticket.

In 2019, he won Rania as an Independent candidate and supported the BJP, becoming a Cabinet Minister.