Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala bats for third front

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 27

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo Om Prakash Chautala has asserted that only a strong third front could throw out the “corrupt” and “inefficient” government at the Centre.

“I am in touch with all Opposition parties to forge the third front. If all goes well, the third front will be announced on September 25, the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Devi Lal,” he told the media here today.

Chautala revealed plans of a lunch meeting with BJP ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“It will be our endeavour to form a strong third front,” said the former CM, who was recently released from jail after serving a 10-year sentence in a recruitment scam.

Chautala claimed if a strong third front was formed, many who supported the BJP-led government would leave it, ultimately leading to a situation where mid-term elections might take place.

On being asked if he would meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said, “Although this is not the point of discussion today, I want to say that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had called me up.”

“He will have lunch with me at my residence on August 1. When two political leaders sit together, political issues are naturally discussed,” he said replying to a query.

On Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Banerjee, Chautala said he had “good family relations” with her.

On the three controversial farm laws, the former Chief Minister alleged the NDA government was working for the benefit of corporates, while a vast majority of the population was left to fend for themselves.

Chautala also hit out at the Haryana Government, alleging the state’s debt was mounting and the government had to borrow to even pay salaries to its employees.

On the Ellenabad byelection, he said, “The INLD candidate, which will be announced at an appropriate time, will win by a heavy margin.”

The Ellenabad seat in Sirsa district was represented by Chautala’s younger son Abhay Chautala, who resigned as MLA earlier over the farm laws and came out openly in support of the protesting farmers.

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