Top Political Leaders from Region Unite at INLD Rally Honouring Devi Lal

Political heavyweights from across India converged on Rohtak Thursday for the INLD's Samman Rally, marking a significant moment in the party's history as it honored former Deputy Prime Minister Chandra Devi Lal without its longtime supremo Om Prakash Chautala for the first time.

Presence of Leaders of Various Parties

The rally drew an impressive lineup of national political figures to the new grain market venue. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal led the external representation, joined by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary. The presence of BRS leader K. Kavitha, daughter of Telangana's first Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, alongside Congress leader Sampat Singh, demonstrated the event's cross-party appeal. 

INLD chief Abhay Singh Chautala organized the commemoration to honor his grandfather Devi Lal's birth anniversary, emphasizing the former leader's contributions to farmers' welfare, social justice, and rural development. The gathering served dual purposes - paying tribute to a political legacy while showcasing the party's continued relevance.

Absence of Former CM Om Prakash Chautala 

The rally's emotional wave centered on the conspicuous absence of Om Prakash Chautala, who passed away in December 2024. For decades, Chautala had been the face of these gatherings, and longtime supporters struggled with the transition.  

Ram Prakash, an elderly INLD supporter from Panipat, captured the sentiment many felt. "Though Chautala Sahib is no longer with us, his memory remains alive in our hearts. The way he used to wrap a white handkerchief around the microphone and address the crowd in his signature style is unforgettable," he reflected, wearing the party's symbolic green turban.

The reference to Chautala watching "from Swarga" revealed how supporters view their departed leader's continued spiritual presence at party events. 

Green Turban: INLD 's Identity

The rally maintained INLD's characteristic visual identity, with supporters sporting green turbans and women wearing green dupattas throughout the venue. Traditional drummers dressed in coordinated green kurtas, white pajamas, and green turbans energized the crowd with spirited performances, creating a festive atmosphere that balanced celebration with commemoration.

Organizers of the event exhibited concern for accessibility by providing a special women's area right in front of the main stage with mattresses rather than chairs, giving attention to the comfort of female supporters. This provision showed concern for the different age brackets and physical requirements of supporters of the party.

The fact that the rally took place in Rohtak holds special political significance because it happens to be in the pocket borough of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. By organizing a large rally here, INLD showed its commitment to challenge existing political strongholds and re-establish itself in crucial constituencies.

The event is an important test of INLD's organizational strength and popular base after the death of Chautala. Being able to mobilize crowds and attract high-level attendance indicates the party still has political traction despite changes in leadership. The multi-party attendance also reflects INLD's possible position in wider political coalitions, with politicians from other states and parties discovering common cause in celebrating Devi Lal's life.