Workers worried over infighting in Chautala clan
INLD, WHICH HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS DEDICATED CADRE IN THE STATE, FACES A FORMIDABLE CRISIS A YEAR AHEAD OF POLLS
The infighting in the clan of former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala has caused confusion and dilemma among workers of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) who are in a fix over which camp to support.
The INLD, which has been known for its dedicated cadre in the state, faces a formidable crisis just a year ahead of assembly elections due next year.
“It is a major setback for party workers and I am very upset over it. But I hope the issue would be sorted out by the family members after Ajay will come out of jail on parole on Monday,” said INLD leader Santosh Dahiya.
She, however, alleged that some people are conspiring to divide the family as well as the party as it was set to form the government after a wait of 15 years.
ABHAY VS DUSHYANT
Party workers are now divided between the factions led by leader of oppouistion in state assembly Abhay Chautala and Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala. While Dushyant has sizeable following among the youth, Abhay is relying on the support of MLAs of the party and its traditional cadre.
In his district-level meetings, Abhay has been trying to convey the message to party workers that he does not want to become chief minister and he is working to make OP Chautala as next CM of Haryana. Pradeep Deswal, state president of the party’s student wing, Indian National Student Organisation (INSO), who has resigned as INLD spokesperson, “Not only the youths but the resentment (over Dushyant’s expulsion) could be seen among the party workers of all age groups. Even old party workers compare Dushyant with party founder late Devi Lal and party leadership should have understood the public sentiments before taking any decision”
“This is clear that the party could form the next government under the leadership of Dushyant and that is why we are backing him”, he added.
‘WORKERS SHOULD REMAIN UNITED’
Reacting over the fissures in the party, INLD spokesperson Praveen Attrey said, “INLD workers are dedicated to party supremo OP Chautala as the strength of the INLD is the result of the Chautala’s hard work for more than 60 years.”
He added, “Party workers need not to worry and support Abhay Singh Chautala, who is working hard to make OP Chautala as next chief minister of the state. “Even OP Chautala, who is serving 10-year jail sentence (in JBT recruitment scam), had given the responsibility to keep the party united to Abhay. Party workers should respect Chautala’s decision taken in the interest of the party,” he said.