Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], December 21 (HBTV): Several leaders across political lines condoled the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister and Indian National Lok Dal leader Om Prakash Chautala on Friday.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini paid a humble tribute, calling it an "irreparable loss for politics." He said, 'The demise of INLD supremo and former Chief Minister of Haryana Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala ji is extremely sad. My humble tribute to him. He served the state and society throughout his life. This is an irreparable loss for the politics of the country and Haryana state. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow.'

The INLD leader passed away on Friday at his residence in Gurugram, Haryana.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted Chautala's significant contributions to serving Haryana and the country, stating, 'The news of the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister and senior leader Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala is sad. He made a significant contribution to the service of Haryana and the country.'

Former Haryana CM and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda recalled Chautala's tenure as CM, mentioning how they had a good relationship when he was the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. 'When Om Prakash ji was the CM, I was the LoP...We had good relations. He served people...He was still active. It didn't feel that he would leave us so soon...He was a good person and like an older brother to me,' Hooda told reporters.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also expressed her sorrow, stating, 'The news of the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Shri Om Prakash Chautala ji is extremely sad. May God give peace to his soul and give patience to the family in this difficult time.'

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying, 'I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala ji. He was active in state politics for many years and constantly tried to carry forward the work of Chaudhary Devi Lal ji. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.' 

 (ANI)