INLD, JJP to organise parallel events on Devi Lal’s birth anniversary

The rivalry between the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has sharpened ahead of the 112th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal, with both parties planning separate programmes across Haryana on Wednesday.

Reflecting the split in the Chautala family, INLD will stage a major rally in Rohtak, while JJP has lined up garlanding ceremonies at statues of Devi Lal in 15 locations across Sirsa district, starting at Town Park at 8.30 a.m.

INLD district president Jasbir Singh Jassa said Sirsa was “fully prepared” for the Rohtak rally, which he described as “historic”, adding that over 17,000 people, including women and new office-bearers, would attend.

Meanwhile, JJP district spokesperson Amar Singh Jiyani said the party would also take a pledge to work for farmers, labourers, and marginalised communities.

At a youth event in Sirsa on Tuesday, JJP leaders Dushyant, Digvijay, and Ajay Chautala attacked INLD’s Abhay Chautala, with Digvijay declaring Dushyant would be Chief Minister by 2029. In response, Abhay invited JJP defectors to “come back and honour Tau Devi Lal’s legacy” at the Rohtak rally.