NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani minister Abdul Rehman Kanju visited Chautala village in Haryana’s Sirsa district on Thursday to attend a Diwali celebration honoring the Indian National Lok Dal’s (INLD) recent electoral success. The event, held to celebrate the victory of two INLD MLAs in the Haryana Assembly elections, was attended by party president and former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, along with Abhay Chautala.
Expressing gratitude on social media, Abhay Chautala thanked villagers and acknowledged Kanju’s attendance as the chief guest, noting the significance of Kanju’s presence at the ceremony. “His presence has made today’s event even more special,” he wrote.
Kanju spoke warmly about his longstanding friendship with the Chautala family, calling Abhay a “Sher (lion) of Haryana” and reflecting on the close ties despite the international border. “Abhay and O.P. Chautala have always supported me in my thick and thin,” he said. He added, “Diwali is the festival of lights that dispels darkness, and I pray Allah bestows happiness on the people of both countries.”
Abhay Chautala shared that he had recently invited Kanju, recalling the connection between the families. “When I spoke to him over the phone, I invited him to join us during Diwali, and he accepted immediately,” Abhay said, highlighting the cross-border relationship.
The ceremony was a show of INLD’s recent gains in Haryana, where Arjun Chautala won the Rania Assembly seat and Aditya Devilal Chautala claimed victory in Dabwali with strong margins. Chautala village, known for its deep political legacy, has produced five MPs, 14 MLAs, and even a deputy prime minister. The event marked a moment of celebration and resilience for the INLD, reflecting the family’s continued influence in Haryana politics.
