Former Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, breathed his last at the age of 79 in a Bengaluru hospital on July 18, 2024. The senior leader of the Indian National Congress party had been battling cancer. The news of his demise was announced by his son, Chandy Oommen, through a heartfelt Facebook post.
source: hindustan times
Oommen Chandy was a prominent figure in Kerala’s political landscape, representing the Puthupally constituency in Kottayam district for over five decades. He served as Chief Minister twice, leading the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) ministries from August 31, 2004, to May 12, 2006, and from May 18, 2011, to May 20, 2016.
Born on October 30, 1943, to Karottu Vallakalil K.V. Chandy and Baby Chandy, he embarked on his political journey through the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Youth Congress. Chandy was an alumnus of St. George High School, Kottayam, CMS College, Kottayam, SB College Changanassery, and Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.
During his extensive political career, Oommen Chandy held several important ministerial positions. He served as Labour Minister in 1977 under the K. Karunakaran Ministry and later in the Ministry led by A.K. Antony. Additionally, he held the portfolio of Home Minister in the K. Karunakaran cabinet from December 1981 to March 1982 and served as the Finance Minister in the UDF ministry of 1991.
Known for his astute political acumen, Chandy played a key role in the inner-party ‘group’ manoeuvring within the state unit of the Congress. He was also popular among the masses and initiated the ‘Mass Contact’ program to address public grievances during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Besides his political engagements, Chandy was actively involved in the INTUC, the Congress-backed trade union. He was the convener of the UDF during 1982-86 and 2001-2004. His leadership and contributions earned him the position of Opposition Leader from 2006 to 2011.
Oommen Chandy is survived by his wife, Mariamma Oommen, and their children, Achu Oommen, Maria Oommen, and Chandy Oommen.
His demise was met with condolences from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, acknowledging his significant contributions to Kerala’s political and social landscape.
The passing of Oommen Chandy marks the end of an era for Kerala politics, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and leadership within the Indian National Congress party and the state government.
source: khaleej times
