Bhajan Lal

Bhajan Lal Biography

Bhajan Lal was a popular politician and non-Jat leader from Haryana who has served as state Chief Minister for two terms. Both his sons, Chander Mohan Bishnoi and Kuldeep Bishnoi are active politicians of Haryana representing Haryana Janhit Congress (BL) party. Chander Mohan is the former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana State. Kuldeep Bishnoi is a Parliamentarian who has served two terms and currently serves as the President of Haryana Janhit Congress. Bhajan Lal’s daughter-in-law, Renuka Bishnoi is also an influential young leader who currently serves as the MLA of Adampur in the Haryana state Vidhan Sabha. He died on died on 3 June 2011 Hisar following a massive heart attack. He was 80 then. Lal served as the Chief Minister of Haryana from June 28, 1979 to July 5, 1985 and for the second time from July 23, 1991 to May 11, 1996.

He was born on 6 October 1930 in Koranwali village of Bahawalpur District, now in Pakistan. He once sold wares on his cycle for his livelihood. He entered active politics through Adampur Gram Panchayat and started off as a ‘Panch’ (Village Sarpanch). He married Jasma Devi and the couple had two sons, both active in state politics. In 1979 he left Janata Party and joined Indian National Congress headed by Indira Gandhi, which proved to be the turning point of his political career. This incident is believed to have led to the coining of the expression “Aaya Ram and Gaya Ram.''

During Rajiv Gandhi’s rule, Lal served as a cabinet minister. He was union cabinet minister holding the Agriculture and Environments & Forest portfolios. After his term as Chief Minister for two terms, 2005 state election was fought under his leadership. Though the party earned majority seats, he was not given Chief Minister position. When Bhupinder Hooda was opted for the Chief Minister post, he drifted from the party and formed Haryana Janhit Congress (BL) party. Now his legacy is carried forward by his family.

Published: N/A

Updated: May 09, 2014