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Om Prakash Chautala, former Haryana CM and INLD leader, passes away at 89

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Om Prakash Chautala, five-time Haryana Chief Minister and INLD leader, passed away at the age of 89 following a cardiac arrest.

Om Prakash Chautala, a veteran leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and five-time Haryana Chief Minister, has passed away at the age of 89. The political stalwart breathed his last at his residence in Gurgaon following a cardiac arrest. His demise marks the end of an era for Haryana’s politics, where he played a significant role for decades.

Born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana, Om Prakash Chautala’s political career spanned over several decades. He first became Haryana’s Chief Minister in 1989, though his tenure was cut short after just six months. Two months later, he assumed the role again but was forced to resign after only five days. Despite these early setbacks, his political career thrived, and he went on to serve as Chief Minister for two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2005, solidifying his position as one of the prominent leaders of Haryana.

Chautala’s tenure was not without controversy. In 2013, he and his son, Ajay Singh Chautala, were convicted for their involvement in a major corruption scandal known as the teacher recruitment scam. The duo was found guilty of illegally recruiting over 3,000 teachers in Haryana in 2000. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison, though Mr. Chautala was granted early release in 2021 after serving nine and a half years.

In 2022, Chautala faced additional legal troubles when he was sentenced to four years in prison in a disproportionate assets case, alongside a fine of ₹50 lakh. At the time, he became the oldest prisoner in Tihar Jail at the age of 87.

The Chautala family has maintained a strong influence in Haryana’s political landscape. Mr. Chautala’s son, Abhay Singh Chautala, now leads the INLD, while Ajay Singh Chautala, who split from the family fold, founded the Janata Jannayak Party in 2019. Abhay Singh served as an MLA from Ellenabad between 2019 and 2024, and his grandson, Arjun Chautala, made his mark by winning the Assembly election from Rania in 2023. Another grandson, Dushyant Singh Chautala, made history in 2014 as the youngest-ever Lok Sabha MP.

Despite his legal challenges and controversies, Om Prakash Chautala’s influence on Haryana’s political scene cannot be overstated. His leadership in the state, especially his two terms from 1999 to 2005, reshaped Haryana’s political narrative. He is survived by his two sons, three daughters, and numerous grandchildren, many of whom continue to be involved in the state’s political activities.

Mr. Chautala had last contested the Haryana Assembly elections from Uchana Kalan in 2009, securing a victory. With a simple education background—he studied till Class 10—Chautala’s rise in politics was a testament to his leadership and influence.

His death is being mourned by supporters and political figures across the region, as his legacy continues through his family, ensuring the Chautala name remains influential in Haryana’s future politics.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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