M A I N   N E W S

Conviction to alter political scene in Haryana
Naveen S Garewal/TNS

Chandigarh, January 16
The conviction of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo and former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala and his MLA-son Ajay Chautala by a CBI court has come at a time when the state is in poll mode in preparation for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The INLD had so far adopted an aggressive stand and held impressive rallies in every constituency, but now it will find itself on the back foot in the Vidhan Sabha when it meets on February 22.

OP Chautala is the Leader of the Opposition in the House while Sher Singh Badshami, also convicted, is the Deputy Leader of Opposition. With both party leaders in the dock, the party is bound to find itself rudderless both inside and outside the House. More seriously, even though the CBI court is yet to announce the quantum of punishment, there is a possibility that the father-son duo may not be eligible to contest the Vidhan Sabha or Parliamentary polls next year, which would be a big setback to the party.

The INLD was hopeful of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) despite the latter announcing to go with the Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC). With the conviction of the main leadership, the BJP is sure to stay with the HJC, ending all speculation of a political re-alignment.

What would now be interesting to watch is the Jats’ reaction to the Chautalas’ conviction and whether they would change the way they vote. There is a possibility that INLD’s traditional vote bank may shift loyalty. A lot would depend on the outcome of the appeal filed by Chautalas’ in this case. In the eventuality of their physical presence for campaigning, they may be able to minimise damage.

A large number of Haryana politicians have kept their options open to shift their loyalty to a party they feel may win in 2014. Some politicians had earlier joined the Trinamool Congress, but have since returned to the Congress fold, while some left to join the HJC. The current setback may also see defections from the INLD to the Congress, HJC or BJP. The HJC-BJP alliance, thus far considered the third option, is likely to gain the most from this development.

Another case of disproportionate assets is in an advanced stage in a Delhi CBI court against the Chautalas, including Ajay’s younger brother Abhay and the likely to be completed in about three months. So far, the indications are not very favourable for the Chautalas.

In yet another case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the CBI has recommended to the SC registration of a case against OP Chautala. The apex court has sought the Haryana Government’s opinion in this case that pertains to nominations in the Haryana Civil Services. The SC directive in this case is also expected before 2014.

All these cases are bound to provide other parties an opportunity to go to the people and highlight the “misdoings” of the Chautalas.