Devi Lal - A Lifestory

Chaudhary Devi Lal (1914) was a prominent Indian politician and a key figure in the antiCongress movements of the late 20th century. Born in Teja Khera village, Sirsa district, Haryana, he came from a farming background and was deeply connected to the agrarian community. His political journey began during the preindependence era, actively participating in the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle. He was imprisoned several times for his involvement in various protests against British rule.

After independence, Devi Lal continued his political activism, focusing primarily on championing the rights of farmers and the rural poor. He became a strong voice for land reforms and advocated for policies that would improve the economic conditions of agricultural communities. He served as the Chief Minister of Haryana on two separate occasions, first from 1977 to 1979 and then again from 1987 to 1989. During his tenures, he implemented several profarmer policies, including waiving off agricultural loans and introducing schemes to provide subsidized inputs to farmers.

Devi Lal played a crucial role in national politics as well. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India twice, first under the government of V.P. Singh from 1989 to 1991 and later under the shortlived government of Chandra Shekhar in 1991. He was instrumental in bringing together various opposition parties to challenge the dominance of the Congress party. Known for his rustic style and straightforward approach, he was often referred to as "Tau" (elder uncle) by his supporters, reflecting his image as a leader deeply rooted in the soil and connected to the common people. His legacy remains significant, particularly in Haryana, where he is remembered as a champion of the farmers and a powerful voice for social justice.