After uncle's nudge, big brother Ajay says will support Chautala family reunion, but younger sibling Abhay yet to speak up

Hisar: The political circles of Haryana are once again abuzz with talk of a possible reunification of the powerful Chautala family, nearly seven years after its split. Ajay Singh Chautala , elder son of former CM late Om Prakash Chautala, has hinted at reconciliation with younger brother Abhay Singh Chautala , following the advice of their uncle, former minister Ranjit Singh Chautala .

Speaking to media in Bhiwani on Saturday, Ajay remarked that if Ranjit — whom he described as the head of the family — takes the initiative, he would support a family reunion. His statement comes despite his earlier stance that the "chapter of reunification" was long closed.

The Chautala family, descendants of former deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, has been a dominant force in Haryana politics for decades. However, internal rivalries reached a flashpoint at the Gohana rally on Oct 7, 2018, leading to a split. Ajay's faction later formed the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) led by his son and former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala. Abhay headed the party once led by their father, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).

The feud weakened their collective political strength. In the 2019 assembly elections, the JJP secured 10 seats and briefly shared power with BJP, while INLD managed only one. In the recent polls, the JJP was wiped out, failing to retain a single seat, and the INLD's presence remained marginal on two seats. Many within the family and among their supporters now feel that only unity can revive Devi Lal's legacy and consolidate the traditional Jat vote bank.

Last month, Ranjit — himself a seasoned politician — publicly appealed to the family to come together. He argued that Devi Lal's name still carried immense electoral weight and that a united front could tilt the balance in Haryana politics. "If the family stays divided, there is no future for anyone," he warned.

Ajay's fresh remarks have rekindled speculation of behind-the-scenes efforts at reconciliation. Abhay, however, has not issued any statement yet.

Adding to the chorus, BJP MP Dharambir Singh also welcomed the idea, noting that beyond political rivalries, unity in a family like the Chautalas would send a positive message. "In politics, one should also think positively about the personal lives of opposition members," he said.

Caption of photo: Ajay Singh Chautala interacting with media persons MSID:: 124308908 413 |