As Kerala polls approach, UDF candidates flock to Oommen Chandy’s grave

Kottayam: As the election scene heats up, UDF candidates are flocking to former chief minister Oommen Chandy's grave at St George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally, Kottayam. Since the announcement of candidates, around 60 UDF poll aspirants have already visited the late CM's grave. Almost all UDF candidates from Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam districts have arrived in Puthuppally. Eight candidates from Kerala Congress's Joseph faction — UDF's third major constituent — arrived together to pray at Chandy's grave. All of them started their campaign from Puthuppally. Leaders of UDF constituent parties like Anoop Jacob, Shibu Baby John and C P John have also visited the grave. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, most UDF candidates began their campaigns after paying homage at Chandy's grave. MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, once a close associate of Chandy, submitted his nomination after praying at the grave on Monday. Chandy's image also features on the posters of several first-time candidates. Due to the continuous arrival of candidates, the late leader's son and MLA Chandy Oommen remains in Puthuppally to welcome them. Since the election announcement, Oommen Chandy's wife, Mariamma, has also been in Puthuppally. In recent days, candidates have been arriving as early as 5am and as late as midnight. Even if candidates arrive late at night, arrangements have been made at the church for them to visit Chandy's grave. Church authorities say that the number of visitors to the church has significantly increased. The church also ensured that Chandy was buried in the area where usually clergy are buried in the churchyard. Arrangements have also been made for lighting candles and prayers in front of the grave.