‘This election is about ideologies, not family relations’
Coming from the illustrious Chautala family, Arjun Chautala is contesting his first Assembly election from Rania in Sirsa district. The next-gen INLD leader speaks with Anil Kakkar about his campaign, the challenges and his vision for the constituency. Excerpts:
You are contesting an Assembly election for the first time. How has the campaign been so far?
The campaign is going well. Even though it’s my first Assembly election, I am receiving immense love and support from the people. The residents of this region have been deprived of basic developmental work for the past 20 years. Now, there’s a renewed hope in their eyes for a better future. They believe that under the leadership of Om Prakash Chautala, the area will see prosperity and growth once again.
Your grandfather Ranjit Singh is also in the fray, making this a high-profile contest. Is there any pressure?
Despite being family, our ideologies differ. While Ranjit Singh ji has been aligned with the Congress and now the BJP, I follow the principles of Chaudhary Devi Lal. This contest is about ideologies, not family relations. I feel no pressure because I’m fighting for the people, not against a family member. My priority is to serve the people of Rania.
Your political legacy traces back to Chaudhary Devi Lal. How do you plan to uphold it?
The family honour alone doesn’t win elections or the people’s trust. What matters is work. Om Prakash Chautala and my father Abhay Chautala have consistently worked for the people, which is why the public respects them. I have been given this opportunity, and I am committed to continuing this legacy by focusing on public service and addressing the needs of people.
You are facing a triangular contest in Rania. Who do you consider your main rival?
I see no one as a rival or an enemy. Our aim is to serve the people, and I believe in healthy competition. Whether it’s the Congress candidate or Ranjit Singh, I hold no grudges. People will vote for the candidate they feel will serve them best. I am here to work for the public, not to fight against anyone.
What are the key issues in Rania that you think need urgent attention?
Healthcare is a critical issue. The absence of quality healthcare facilities in Rania forces people to travel long distances to Sirsa, Hisar, or even Delhi. This is unacceptable, and I will focus on building a hospital to address this problem. Another priority is tackling the drug menace, which has plagued the region. We will work towards making Rania drug-free by establishing de-addiction centres and taking strict action against drug peddlers.
What is your view on INLD’s alliance with HLP and BSP?
Gopal Kanda and his family have been long-time associates of ours. Our alliance with the HLP and the BSP has strengthened our position, and we are united in providing a strong alternative to both the BJP and the Congress. This collaboration is based on shared values and a commitment to serve the people.
The Opposition claims that this alliance is just a B-team of the BJP.
The voters are smart, and they know the truth. Calling us a B-team won’t fool anyone. We are here to defeat both the Congress and the BJP and provide a true alternative. We will neither align with the Congress nor the BJP and will continue to carry forward the ideology of Chaudhary Devi Lal.
After the election results, if a situation arises, would you consider an alliance with either the Congress or the BJP like the JJP did?
We don’t engage in politics of greed or opportunism. If that were the case, we could have been in power multiple times. We stand by our principles, unlike others who compromise for a few seats. We’ll stick to our word. We won’t be like the JJP. We won’t go knocking on anyone’s door. If someone wants to join us, they know where to find us.
