Bridging borders: Pakistani parliamentarian joins Chautala family in Sirsa for Diwali

In a surprising gesture amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani Member of Parliament Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju joined the Chautala family in Sirsa to celebrate Diwali. Kanju, a three-time MP and former minister in Pakistan, was personally invited by the Chautala family to take part in the Diwali festivities in Chautala village.

A public gathering was organised in Chautala village to mark Kanju’s visit, attended by prominent members of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), including INLD chief and former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, former MLA Abhay Singh Chautala, MLAs Aditya and Arjun Chautala, along with Karan and Pawan Beniwal.

Addressing the gathering, Kanju expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception. “Being here feels wonderful. Karan and Arjun are like nephews to me, and I wish the people of Chautala a happy Diwali. The love you have shown me will stay with me always,” he shared. Kanju also recounted his journey in public life, mentioning his roots in Pakistan’s Lodhran district in Punjab province and his early success as Pakistan’s youngest elected mayor at age 22.

Former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala also took to the stage, saying, “Despite difficult times, it is an honour to have our friend from Pakistan here on Diwali. This festival is about lighting up the darkness, which applies beyond just our borders.” He emphasised the importance of shared heritage and familial bonds between India and Pakistan, adding, “We share blood ties, and we should work together for mutual growth by building bridges rather than walls.”

Kanju echoed these sentiments, reflecting on his close relationship with the Chautala family. “Every conversation with Abhay or Aditya starts and ends with Chautala village. The Chautala family has always stood by me, through all moments, joyful or difficult,” he noted, highlighting the respect he and others in Pakistan have for Abhay Chautala’s dynamic speeches in the Haryana Assembly.

The visit, however, drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning the appropriateness of hosting a Pakistani MP amid strained relations. Some online commentators expressed concern over the Chautala family’s ties with Pakistan.

Abhay Chautala welcomed Kanju warmly, saying, “Kanju Sahab has come to join us on Diwali. His family holds a great reputation in Pakistan, and his father was a prominent leader recognised globally. I’m thankful he accepted my invitation to be with us on this special day.”