Current affairs

RIP Oommen Chandy: From PM Modi to MK Stalin...A flock of leaders pay tribute to former Kerala CM!

By alagu, 18 July, 2023
Oommen Chandy, Kerala, Congress

Veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy has passed away in the wee hours of Tuesday - July 18 at the age of 79 at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Chandy was the tenth Chief Minister of Kerala and held the post twice. He had been battling throat cancer for quite some time and his demise had saddened Kerala and the Congress party. 

After learning about his demise, several national and regional leaders have paid tribute to the deceased leader and expressed condolences to the bereaving family. President Droupadi Murmu took to Twitter and wrote, "In the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, the country has lost an eminent personality who was dedicated to serving the people. His contribution to the progress of Kerala and his impact on the national political space will always be remembered. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family and his countless followers." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "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."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote, "Oommen Chandy ji was an exemplary grassroots Congress leader. He will be remembered for his lifelong service to the people of Kerala. We will miss him dearly. Much love and condolences to all his loved ones." Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of Oomen Chandy, veteran Congress leader and former CM of Kerala A valiant soldier of the Congress since his student days, Oomen Chandy embodied Kerala's spirit of secularism, fraternity and social justice May his soul rest in peace."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had paid last respects to Chandy and he tweeted, "Paid my last respects to former Chief Minister of Kerala and veteran Congress leader Thiru Oommen Chandy. He was a great statesman and a true people's leader who dedicated his life to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Oommen Chandy's family and the people of Kerala as we profoundly mourn his passing." 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter and wrote, "A historic chapter in Kerala politics came to an end with the demise of Oommen Chandy. His contributions to our state as an administrator, political leader & people's representative have been exemplary. Joining the grief of family, friends & supporters. Condolences." 

In her tribute note, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote, "Deeply saddened at the demise of respected Oommen Chandy, former chief minister of Kerala and elder statesman of our times. The veteran Congress leader had played vital role in Kerala 's development and democratisation of public life. I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and the innumerable followers of the capable and popular leader." 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media and wrote, "Saddened to hear about the passing of former Kerala CM Shri Oommen Chandy Ji. His contributions to public service and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace." Oommen Chandy had passed away at 4.25 am at Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Indira Nagar, Bengaluru. 

In the early morning on Tuesday, Chandy had developed health difficulties and he was immediately rushed to Chinmaya Hospital. However, he had breathed his last and the funeral will be held in his native Puthupally in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Following his demise, the Kerala government announced public holiday on Tuesday across the state. 

 

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