CHAL BETA BANSI LAL( WIT & HUMOUR OF HARYANA,S POLITICIANS & ITS PEOPLE ) BY PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL.COMING SOON.
PREFACE .Preface
Politics in Haryana has always been a fascinating blend of wit, humor, and unfiltered charisma. The state’s political landscape has been shaped by towering personalities like Bansi Lal, Devi Lal, Bhajan Lal, and, more recently, Manohar Lal. Their governance styles, often peppered with sharp wit and unconventional decisions, have frequently made headlines—sometimes for their achievements and sometimes for their sheer audacity.
Among them, the late Bansi Lal stands out as a formidable figure— a tough administrator, a no-nonsense leader, and one of the architects of modern Haryana. A former Chief Minister and Union Defence Minister, he was known for his iron-handed governance, which often left an unforgettable imprint on the state.
The title of this book, “Chal Beta Bansi Lal”, stems from a particularly intriguing episode of his tenure. During his second stint as Chief Minister, Haryana’s teachers were up in arms against his transfer policy, which mandated that no teacher would be posted in a school within 20 kilometers of their hometown. His reasoning? He believed that proximity to their villages would lead them to indulge in local politics rather than focus on education. The policy sparked immense frustration among teachers, many of whom were arrested during the protests. Even Prime Minister Indira Gandhi could not persuade him to soften his stance.
At that time, bicycles were the primary mode of transport for common people, including teachers. Forced to travel long distances every day, they vented their exasperation in a humorous yet sarcastic manner. As they set out on their grueling rides each morning, they would pat their bicycle seats and mutter, “Chal beta, Bansi Lal!”—a phrase that became synonymous with their hardship and resentment. But in hindsight, this phrase also reflected the grit and determination that defined Bansi Lal’s governance, leading many to joke that before teachers could educate Haryana, Bansi Lal had taught them a lesson himself!
Originally written in Hindi 25 years ago, this book captured not just the humor but also the sharp political acumen of Haryana’s leaders. It was well received by eminent journalists like Khushwant Singh, Prabhash Joshi, Kuldeep Nayar, as well as cricketer Kapil Dev and Justice P.B. Sawant, former chairman of the Press Council of India. The Week magazine, in its review, remarked:
“Pawan Kumar Bansal has breathed life into anecdotes of Haryana’s political leaders. Even if one is not interested in Haryana or its ‘Aaya Rams and Gaya Rams,’ the author should bring out an English version so that a wider audience can enjoy the wit and humor of its politicians.”
Khushwant Singh himself commented:
“I enjoyed your witty compilations. It was vastly amusing, though I read Hindi with great difficulty. You should definitely come out with an English version.”
This English edition is not merely a translation but an updated and expanded version, offering fresh insights and anecdotes for a new generation of readers. It delves into Haryana’s unique political culture—where floor-crossing, caste dynamics, corruption, and power plays have often been as entertaining as they are controversial. From the Bharat Darshan tours of legislators to the rise of the Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram phenomenon, this book presents a light-hearted yet insightful journey through Haryana’s political history.
As this book takes shape, I invite readers to share their own experiences, stories, or anecdotes about these legendary figures. After all, politics in Haryana has never been short on drama—or humor!
Pawan Kumar Bansal
Author & Journalist
Gurugram, Haryana
8882828301