INLD Chief Abhay Chautala Condemns Haryana's Rally Ban as 'Blow to Democracy'
INLD national president Chaudhary Abhay Singh Chautala has strongly criticized the Haryana Government's decision to prohibit all public rallies and demonstrations across the state. The ban, part of a sweeping austerity directive, aims to curb petroleum consumption amid global fuel crises and geopolitical conflicts, and will remain in effect until the end of September 2026.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Chandigarh, Chautala stated, "In earlier times, kings used to make such unilateral decisions. But in a democracy, decisions should be taken after consulting the people and assessing their benefits and losses. Such unilateral decisions are a blow to democracy."
INLD Challenges Government
Chautala challenged the administration, announcing that the INLD will hold a massive rally on September 25 to mark Devi Lal's birth anniversary, with lakhs of participants expected. He dared the government to stop the event.
He pointed out the double standards of the ruling party, noting that while the newly appointed BJP state president has planned a statewide tour, and Chief Minister Nayab Saini along with several cabinet ministers are campaigning in Punjab, other political parties are restricted from protests. "Political parties in Haryana are being restricted from protests while the ruling party continues its own activities. The government has exposed its double standards," he said.
Allegations of Government Missteps
Chautala cited an example from Chainat village in Hisar district, where hundreds of people protested due to water scarcity. He claimed the government laid pipelines through fields without consulting villagers but failed to supply water.
He further alleged that the government is harassing farmers and traders by imposing restrictions such as limiting diesel purchases to 200 liters, causing widespread difficulties. He added that the government had previously taken similar unilateral decisions on old-age pensions and wheat procurement but had to withdraw them under pressure.
Chautala also opposed the government's advisory discouraging people from purchasing gold, emphasizing that gifting gold at weddings is a long-standing tradition.
Concerns Over Census and Law and Order
On the ongoing census, Chautala alleged that while Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are being counted, the government has excluded the OBC category, despite claiming to support a caste-based census.
Citing National Crime Records Bureau data, he claimed that law and order have deteriorated in Haryana, with rising drug abuse and crime, especially in the Chief Minister's district.
He questioned the BJP government's 12 years in power, stating that while celebrations are being held, public money is wasted on foreign trips instead of being used for public welfare.
Chautala also noted that despite the approaching monsoon, drainage systems in the state have not been cleaned. In his Dabwali constituency, Drain No. 6 is broken and clogged, while officials have falsely reported cleaning work and misused funds.
