Oommen Chandy, Former Chief Minister of Kerala, Passes Away: A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication
Oommen Chandy, a prominent Congress leader and former chief minister of Kerala, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday in Bengaluru, according to his family. Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, shared the news on Facebook, stating, “Appa has passed away.” The 79-year-old leader, known for his trademark white cotton shirt and dhoti, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru at 4:25 AM. He had been receiving treatment in Bengaluru for the past few months.
Upon hearing the news of Chandy’s demise, Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge, along with top party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, paid homage to the former chief minister at the residence of late Karnataka minister T John in Indiranagar. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also paid their respects.
Throughout his political career, Oommen Chandy left a lasting impact on the people of Kerala. An anecdote that is often shared by his admirers reflects his compassionate nature. During his tenure as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2016, an incident occurred at the inauguration of a school building in North Kerala. After the ceremony, as Chandy was making his way back to his car, a young boy called out his name. Without hesitation, Chandy stopped and approached the boy, who shared that his friend and classmate had a strong desire to own a house as he did not have one. Touched by the boy’s plea, Chandy took immediate action. He collected all the necessary information, thoroughly investigated the case, and confirmed its deserving nature. Driven by his determination to make a difference, he included the case in a government scheme aimed at providing housing for the underprivileged. Even after transitioning to the role of a legislator after his term as Chief Minister, Chandy’s commitment to the cause remained unwavering. When the house was finally completed, he personally visited the family, demonstrating his genuine care and concern for those in need. This incident exemplifies Chandy’s compassion and dedication to improving the lives of the people he served.
Oommen Chandy was a long-standing representative of the Puthupally constituency in Kottayam district for over 50 years. He first won the seat in 1970 when he was the president of the Youth Congress. He served as a minister in the K Karunakaran cabinet in 1977, and later became the Chief Minister of Kerala twice. Chandy held the finance portfolio in the state and also served as the Leader of the Opposition.
Chandy’s passing marks the end of an era in Kerala politics. His contributions to the state, his dedication to public service, and his commitment to addressing the needs of the people will be remembered and celebrated. As the political landscape mourns the loss of a respected leader, his legacy of compassion and tireless work will continue to inspire future generations.
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh , 18 July 2023
