Former Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, passed away at the age of 79. Leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences. The Kerala government has declared a public holiday and two days of mourning in his honor.
On Tuesday morning, Oommen Chandy breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru while undergoing cancer treatment. The Kerala government announced two days of mourning along with a public holiday on Tuesday to pay tribute to the former Chief Minister.
Leaders from various political parties have expressed their condolences on Chandy’s demise. Senior Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, and Shashi Tharoor have conveyed their condolences. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal visited the Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Bengaluru, where the former Chief Minister passed away this morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of former Kerala CM through a tweet, stating, “In the passing away of Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, we have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala.” He further reminisced about their interactions when they both served as Chief Ministers and later when he moved to Delhi. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to Chandy’s family and supporters.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to Chandy through his Twitter account, stating, “My humble tribute to Oommen Chandy, former Chief Minister of Kerala and a staunch Congress leader who stood as a leader of the people. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on the progress of Kerala and the country’s political landscape. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to the people. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters.”
In the passing away of Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, we have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala. I recall my various interactions with him, particularly when we both served as Chief Ministers of our… pic.twitter.com/S6rd22T24j
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2023
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her condolences in a Twitter post, writing, “Deep condolences to the family of Shri Oommen Chandy. He was a pillar of the Congress Party, a leader who dedicated his life to public service and was deeply committed to the values we are fighting for today. We will remember him with great respect and cherish his wise counsel.”
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi also paid his respects to Chandy, posting on Twitter, “Oommen Chandy ji was an exemplary grassroots Congress leader. He will be remembered for his lifelong service to the people of Kerala. We will miss him dearly. Much love and condolences to all his loved ones.”
Oommen Chandy ji was an exemplary grassroots Congress leader. He will be remembered for his lifelong service to the people of Kerala.
We will miss him dearly. Much love and condolences to all his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/QL8pGJrXwW
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 18, 2023
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also bid farewell to Chandy, saying, “We were elected to the Legislative Assembly in the same year. It was the same phase when we entered the political arena through student life. We lived our public lives together.” Saying goodbye at this moment is extremely difficult. Oommen Chandy was a capable administrator and someone who was closely connected to people’s lives.”
