Ranjit Chautala’s jibe at Prof Sampat Singh sparks political row

Hisar: Former Haryana power minister Ranjit Singh Chautala has stirred controversy with his remarks targeting senior leader Prof Sampat Singh, now the national patron of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).Addressing a public gathering in Kirdhan village of Bhattu in Fatehabad district, Ranjit Chautala, younger brother of former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, claimed that Prof Sampat Singh was once appointed to "fill hookahs", but was later elevated to the post of minister by former deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. "I am not against Prof Sampat Singh," Ranjit said, recounting an old anecdote involving local leaders from Bhattu who recommended Prof Sampat to Chaudhary Devi Lal. "He was hired to fill hookahs, but Chaudhary Devi Lal made him a minister," he remarked, adding that Prof Sampat Singh remained away for a long time before recently returning to the INLD. Prof. Sampat Singh rejoined the INLD on Nov 5 after leaving the Congress. On the same day, INLD national president Abhay Singh Chautala appointed him as party's national patron. The remarks have triggered fresh debate within Haryana's political circles, particularly within the INLD, as the party continued efforts to consolidate its leadership ahead of upcoming political challenges. References to Meham Incident and Family Feud Ranjit Chautala also invoked the controversial Meham episode, describing it as a turning point in Haryana's political history. Referring to internal family rivalries, he said the dispute over the chief minister's post between him and Om Prakash Chautala had the support of more than 50 MLAs in his favour, compared to 15 backing his brother. However, he said it was ultimately a family decision that led to Om Prakash becoming the CM, while he joined the cabinet. He alleged that the violence during the Meham incident had altered the political landscape, claiming that despite earlier electoral successes, Chaudhary Devi Lal subsequently faced electoral defeats, including losses in the Lok Sabha polls. Remarks on Political Alignments Touching upon earlier political developments, Ranjit said had he won from Rania as an Independent while extending support to the BJP. He claimed that if he did not align with the BJP, other leaders would do so, as numbers were crucial to govt formation. He also referred to the BJP-JJP coalition govt, mentioning that Dushyant Chautala served as deputy CM during the alliance period, while he held the power and jail portfolios.