NB BUREAU
Former Chief Minister of the South India state of Kerela, Oommen Chandy, has passed away at the age of 79. He was being treated for cancer and breathed his last at a Bengaluru hospital Tuesday early morning.
His son Chandy Oommen announced the news through a Facebook post.
A senior Congress leaders and a long-time legislator representing the Puthupally constituency in Kottayam district, Mr Chandy served as the Chief Minister of Kerala twice.
During a long political career, Chandy has been a minister in the Government of Kerala on four occasions. He was the Minister for Labour from 11 April 1977 to 25 April 1977 in the first K. Karunakaran Ministry and continued holding the same portfolio in the succeeding first A. K. Antony Ministry until 27 October 1978.
He was in the charge of Home portfolio in the second K. Karunakaran Ministry from 28 December 1981 to 17 March 1982. Again, he was sworn in as a minister in the fourth K.Karunakaran Ministry on 2 July 1991.
He became president of the Youth Congress in 1970, and was also active in the INTUC, the Congress-backed trade union.
He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1970.
At Present he was the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee.
Prime Minister Modi, COngress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Senior Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi condoled his death.
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… pic.twitter.com/S6rd22T24j
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/QL8pGJrXwW
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 18, 2023
My humble tribute to the stalwart Oommen Chandy, Former Kerala Chief Minister and 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.…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 18, 2023
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan also condoled the death.
