By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, July 18, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, on July 18 joined political and religious leaders to mourn the death of Oommen Chandy, who served the southern Indian state of Kerala as its chief minister twice.
Chandy died at 4:25 am on July 18 while undergoing treatment for cancer in a private hospital in Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka, a neighboring state. He would have turned 80 on October 31.
The death was announced by Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, in a Facebook post.
Chandy, a member of the Syrian Orthodox Church, is survived by his wife Mariamma and children Maria Oommen, Chandy Oommen and Achu Oommen.
The Kerala government has announced July 19 as a public holiday along with two days of mourning as a mark of respect to the former chief minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Chandy’s death saying India has “lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala.”
The premier also shared a few photographs of the late politician and recalled his various interactions with Chandy, particularly when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
“My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Mourning Chandy’s death, Cardinal Alencherry said the politician had served Kerala as a legislator for 50 years and chief minister twice, leaving “a deep impression on the hearts of the people” of the state. “He loved the people of Kerala and the people of Kerala loved him,” the prelate said in his condolence message.
“He was a teacher among political activists. He was able to treat everyone with respect and cooperate in the activities without distinction between ruling party and opposition party. He never thought of revenge even against his political opponents,” the cardinal said.
According to him, Chandy strove to find solutions to every crisis in life based on his deep faith in God. “He was able to live with equanimity in intractable problems, leaving them to God’s will. There is no doubt that Oommen Chandy will always be remembered in Kerala and his circle of friends,” he added.
Mourning the death, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Chandy as “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.”
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav condoled the death on Twitter. He wrote, “Deeply pained by the demise of former Kerala CM Shri Oommen Chandy ji. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
Indian Union Muslim League leader E. T. Muhammed Basheer called the demise as a loss for the entire political system. Chandy “was the most efficient administrator and his main quality was compassion. I have worked under him. He was the most capable minister. He dedicated his life to the people…You cannot compare Oommen Chandy with anybody. This is a loss for the entire political system.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recalled that Chandy and he were elected to the Kerala 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,” he added.
Chandy was born October 31, 1943, at Puthupally in Kerala’s Kottayam district. He started his political career as an activist of Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Indian National Congress party. He was elected the state president of the organization in the mid-1960s. He was elected as the president of the state Youth Congress in 1970.
Chandy completed his pre-university course from CMS College, Kottayam and B.A. Economics from St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry. Later, he took a bachelor’s degree in law from the Government Law College, Ernakulam (Kochi).
He represented Puthupally constituency in the state legislative assembly for half a century.
Chandy was a minister in the Kerala government on four occasions. He became the state chief minister on August 30, 2004 and held that post until May 12, 2006.
On May 18, 2011, he became the chief minister again when the Congress-led United Democratic Front secured a slender majority in the assembly.
Chandy received the 2013 United Nations Public Service Award from the Asia-Pacific region, for the category “Preventing and Combating Corruption in the Public Service.” The award was based on the theme “Transformative e-Government and Innovation: Creating a Better Future for All.”
Respectful farewell to Oommen Chandy. RIP Sir. Strength and courage to all his loved ones.