Jind: Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala has threatened defamation proceedings against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Ramkumar Gautam over what he termed "divisive comments" targeting a political veteran. He also accused his party's state government of economic mismanagement that led to a rise in fuel prices.
Defamation Threat Over Remarks
Speaking at a Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) event on Monday, Dushyant accused MLA Gautam of making disparaging remarks against his grandfather, former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala. He confirmed that his legal team was preparing a defamation lawsuit, which would proceed even if the MLA issued a public apology.
Challenge to Vehicle Ban Directive
Dushyant also challenged the Haryana government's recent directive to ban petrol and diesel vehicles within the National Capital Region (NCR). He noted that motorists had already paid a 10-year road tax under the National Motor Vehicles Act. He ridiculed Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's administration for routinely reversing its policies, saying: "No Haryana leader ever made so many U-turns in two years."
Allegations of Fiscal Crisis
Turning his focus to macroeconomics, the JJP president alleged that India was in a fiscal crisis. He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public appeals for citizens to curb foreign travel and reduce vehicle usage. Chautala said the Indian rupee's depreciation to 97 against the US dollar had triggered an energy shortage, causing cooking-gas cylinders to trade on the black market for ₹3,000.
Criticism of Agricultural Management
He also attacked the state's agricultural management, claiming that 20% of harvested wheat lay stranded in Uchana Mandi warehouses while farmers awaited delayed government payments amid daily eight-hour electricity blackouts.
