Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy passes away at 79

Bengaluru/Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy, who served as the chief minister of Kerala twice, died in Bengaluru in the early hours of Tuesday, his family said. 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 Kerala government has announced Tuesday as a public holiday and two days' mourning as a mark of respect to the late former chief minister.

Congress sources said Chandy died at a private hospital at 4.25 am while undergoing treatment for cancer. Chandy, who had not been keeping well for quite some time, was staying in Bengaluru for treatment.

He was the chief minister twice for a total of seven years (2004–2006 and again from 2011–2016).

Chandy had also served as Minister of Labour, Home, and Finance in various governments headed by K Karunakaran and A K Antony. He also served as the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly.

Representing Puthuppally constituency, Chandy served as the MLA for more than half a century setting the record for the longest tenure.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and leaders of various political parties condoled Chandy's demise.

Kharge terms him visionary leader

The Congress mourned the demise of its veteran leader Oommen Chandy, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge saying that the former Kerala chief minister, with his unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, has left an indelible mark on the state's progress and the nation's politics.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of former Kerala chief minister and esteemed Congress leader Oommen Chandy," the Congress said on Twitter.

"A stalwart in politics, his contributions to Kerala's progress and development will always be remembered. A true statesman, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace," it said.

Party president Kharge condoled Chandy's demise and paid tributes to the leader, saying he was a staunch Congressman 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," he tweeted.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Chandy was an extraordinary personality and a true mass leader.

"A man of great simplicity and unfailing courtesy, he was a 24×7 politician giving everything he had to the welfare of his constituents and of the people of Kerala," he said.

Ramesh said Chandy's tenure as chief minister was notable for many achievements that were widely lauded and recognised by the United Nations as well. "I was privileged to have known him for years and still recall our joint visits to various settlements in Attappadi 10 years ago." In a tweet, the Congress' Kerala unit said, "Extremely sad to bid farewell to our most beloved leader and former chief minister Shri Oommen Chandy. One of the most popular and dynamic leaders of Kerala, Chandy sir was loved across generations and sections of the population." The Congress family will miss his leadership and energy, it said.

The party's Kerala unit chief K Sudhakaran also condoled the passing away of Chandy and said, "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!" he said.

Tagging his tweet a few months ago in which he had talked about visiting Chaney in hospital and wished for his complete recovery, senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said, "Sadly, it was not to be. The news of Oommen Chandy's passing leaves millions bereft. My heart goes out to his family at this inexpressibly sad time. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti." Indian Youth Congress condoled Chandy's demise and tweeted, "We mourn the loss of former Kerala CM and Congress stalwart Shri Oommen Chandy. He was a champion of development, democracy and secularism." "He inspired generations of young leaders with his dedication and charisma. We pray for his soul and his bereaved family," the youth wing of the party said.

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

Chandy, who had not been keeping well for quite some time, had been staying in Bengaluru for treatment at a health facility.

Inputs from PTI