Oommen Chandy, ex-Kerala CM and Congress leader, passes away; funeral on Thursday

NEW DELHI: Former Kerala chief minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy passed away in Bengaluru on Tuesday. He was 79.

The death of the former Kerala chief minister was announced by his son, Chandy Oommen, in a Facebook post.
"Appa has passed away", Oommen wrote on his Facebook page, without elaborating.

The state government has declared a public holiday for schools and government institutions on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the departed leader who always chose to be with crowds.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that mortal remains of Oommen Chandy would be brought to Thiruvananthapuram in the afternoon on Tuesday. His body would be kept for public homage in the capital the whole day. The body would be taken to his native Kottayam on Wednesday, where it will also be kept for public homage the whole day. The burial would take place on Thursday.
Oommen Chandy was Kerala chief minister for seven years in two terms. He held home and finance portfolios and was the Opposition leader.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the death of the former chief minister.
"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," tweeted Kharge.
"We will miss him dearly. Much love and condolences to all his loved ones," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Chandy and said we have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh wrote to Mariamma Oommen, the wife of former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy.
"...He was a mass leader and distinguished administrator who devoted his whole life for the service of the people. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the Indian National Congress and Kerala...May God give all of you the strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude," he writes.

"The tale of the king who triumphed over the world with the power of 'love' finds its poignant end. Today, I am deeply saddened by the loss of a legend, @Oommen_Chandy. He touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will forever resonate within our souls. RIP!(sic)," tweeted Kerala Congress President K Sudhakaran

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed deep grief over the death of former CM.
"We were elected to the legislative assembly in the same year. It was at the same stage that we came to the political fore through student life. We led public life at the same time and it is extremely difficult to bid him farewell. Oommen Chandy was a capable administrator and a person who was closely involved in people's lives," said Vijayan.


Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoled thedemise of Shri Oommen Chandy and said, "I am profoundly grieved by the sad demise of Shri Oommen Chandy, former Chief Minister and a people’s leader nonpareil, with a record 53 years as Legislator from the same constituency Puthuppally. This showed the trust and confidence people had in his leadership."
"We mourn the loss of former Kerala CM and Congress stalwart Shri Oommen Chandy. He was a champion of development, democracy and secularism," tweeted Youth Congress.