Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy passes away, PM Modi expresses deep grief

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Oommen Chandy. Modi also recalled his various interactions with him, particularly when they both served as Chief Ministers of their respective states.

Former Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy 79, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday. Chandy, who was battling throat cancer, breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Apart from his son, Kerala Congress President K. Sudhakaran shared the sad news in a tweet this morning. He was ill for a long time.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Oommen Chandy. Modi also recalled his various interactions with him, particularly when they both served as Chief Ministers of their respective states.

In a tweet, Prime Minister said, “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.”

Sudhakaran expressed grief over Chandy’s demise in a tweet. He said the legacy of the late leader will always resonate in our souls. He has been our most beloved leader. The Congress Parivar will miss his leadership and energy.

Oommen Chandy commanded Kerala twice. He was the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2004-06 and 2011-16. Congress leader Chandy became an MLA in 1970 at the age of 27. He won 11 consecutive elections. Chandy has represented only his home constituency of Puthuppally in the last five decades.

In 2022, he became the longest-serving member of the State Legislative Assembly, representing Puthupalli in the House for 18,728 days. He surpassed the record held by former Kerala Congress (M) chief KM Mani. Chandy has served four times in his political career as a minister in different cabinets and four times as the Leader of the Opposition.