Oommen Chandy, a senior Congress politician and former Chief Minister of Kerala, has passed away.
Oommen Chandy, a stalwart Congress leader in Kerala and a two-time Chief Minister, passed away at the age of 79 in a Bengaluru hospital after battling cancer. The news of his demise left the state in mourning, and the Kerala government declared a holiday while also cancelling examinations to honor his memory.
Oommen Chandy was a charismatic leader who enjoyed immense popularity and a mass base across all social and religious communities. His unique “janasamparka paripadi” or mass outreach program endeared him to the people. Under this initiative, he engaged with the public directly, listening to their grievances, and promptly resolving their issues on the spot. This personal touch in governance earned him great admiration and respect.
In recognition of his exemplary public service, Oommen Chandy received a prestigious United Nations award in 2013, further highlighting his dedication to the welfare of the people.
Oommen Chandy’s legacy as Chief Minister includes significant contributions to Kerala’s infrastructure development. Several ambitious projects, such as the Kochi Metro, Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kannur International Airport, and the Kochi-Mangalore GAIL pipeline, were initiated under his leadership. These ventures not only bolstered Kerala’s connectivity but also strengthened its economic prospects, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s progress.
Oommen Chandy’s political journey began in 1970 when he was elected as a legislator from the Puthupally constituency in Kottayam district. He continued to serve the people in this capacity through an impressive 12 consecutive terms, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a political contemporary and colleague, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt Facebook post. He reminisced about their shared entry into the Kerala Assembly in 1970 and praised Oommen Chandy’s remarkable consistency in serving the people throughout the years.
Congress leader VD Satheesan confirmed that Oommen Chandy’s mortal remains would be brought back to Thiruvananthapuram from Bengaluru on a special aircraft, after which the public could pay their respects at his residence in the state capital and the Congress office. Subsequently, Oommen Chandy’s body would be taken to the Thirunakkara ground in Kottayam and later to his home in Puthupally. The final rites were scheduled to be held at 2 pm on Thursday at the Puthupally church.
Satheesan also expressed the collective sense of loss felt by the party. Oommen Chandy’s illness had been a subject of concern for some time, and his supporters had hoped for a recovery that would allow him to continue leading them. However, fate had a different plan, and his untimely death left a void that would be challenging to fill.
The passing of Oommen Chandy marks the end of an era in Kerala politics, with his absence leaving a significant void. His dedication to public service, compassionate governance, and visionary leadership earned him a special place in the hearts of Keralites, regardless of their affiliations. Oommen Chandy’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, and the impact of his contributions to Kerala’s growth and development will be felt for years to come.
In this time of sorrow, the people of Kerala join together to remember and honor the life of their beloved leader, Oommen Chandy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.