He played an active and clear role in the (creation and construction/ group of objects) of Haryana as a separate state. In 1971, he left Congress. In 1972 Vidhan Sabha elections, he argued over unsuccessfully against the two Congress heavyweights. One was Bansi Lal in Tosham (Vidhan Sabha seat) and another was Bhajan Lal in Adampur seat. In 1974, he successfully contested in the Rori constituency. In 1975, Indira Gandhi declared the Emergency. Lal along with all opposition leaders were jailed for 19 months. In 1977, the emergency ended and general elections were held. He was elected on the Janata Party ticket from Bhattu Kalan. He then became the Chief Minister of Haryana. As the chief minister of Haryana he made several decisions benefiting farmers and rural people.