Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, a seasoned Congress leader, breathed his last at the age of 79 in a private hospital in Bengaluru. He passed away at 4:25 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment for cancer. In the wake of this tragic loss, the Kerala government has declared Tuesday as a public holiday, and two days of mourning have been announced as a mark of respect for the former chief minister.
The demise of Oommen Chandy has evoked an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the political spectrum. Dignitaries like Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, and Shashi Tharoor, among others, have shared their heartfelt sympathies. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal visited the Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Bengaluru, where Chandy passed away earlier this morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief through a tweet on Tuesday. He wrote, “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 respective states, and later when I moved to Delhi. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid his tribute to the stalwart leader via Twitter, saying, “My humble tribute to the stalwart Oommen Chandy, Former Kerala Chief Minister, and a staunch Congress man who stood tall as a leader of the masses. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on Kerala’s progress and the nation’s political landscape. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to the people. Heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, also mourned Chandy’s passing in a Twitter post, stating, “Deepest condolences to the family of Shri. Oommen Chandy. He was a pillar of the Congress party, a leader who dedicated his life to service and was deeply committed to the values we are fighting for today. We will all remember him with great respect and miss his wise counsel.”
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi joined in paying his respects to Chandy with a Twitter message, “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.”
The official Twitter handle of the Congress party also shared a heartfelt message for Chandy, describing him as a stalwart in politics whose contributions to Kerala’s progress and development will always be remembered. They acknowledged his status as a true statesman and emphasized that his legacy will continue to inspire generations. The Congress party offered their deepest condolences to Chandy’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, hoping that his soul may rest in eternal peace.
Oommen Chandy’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a void in Kerala’s political landscape and the hearts of those who admired his dedication and service to the people. His legacy will undoubtedly be cherished and remembered for years to come.