'People's Leader': Tributes Pour In For Former CM Oommen Chandy

Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy passed away earlier today at the age of 79. Reportedly, the veteran Congress leader was undergoing cancer treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru. The Kerala government has declared a public holiday for the day, followed by two days of mourning in remembrance of the late chief minister.

Chandy began his political career through the Student Union of Kerala. From 1970 until his passing in 2023, he served as the State Assembly's MLA for the Puthuppally seat. He is the Kerala Legislative Assembly's longest-serving member and the only Indian Chief Minister to receive a United Nations award for public service.

Oommen Chandy Passes Away

Condolences poured in on Twitter for the late leader's family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a couple of images with Chandy and wrote, "We have lost a humble and dedicated leader." He further wrote that Chandy lived a life of public service and contributed to Kerala's advancement.

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

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the former Kerala CM. INC President Kharge wrote that Chandy's "janasamparka paripadi" was legendary, while Gandhi called him a grassroots leader.

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

Shri Oommen Chandy, in his politics, stayed firmly rooted to the ground and his people.

His "janasamparka paripadi" (mass public outreach program) were legendary.

Our heartfelt tribute to a true Congressman. pic.twitter.com/4gHGVOOCyp

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 18, 2023

Several other leaders, including Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress Supremo Mamata Banerjee, AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal, and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also expressed grief over the passing of the former Chief Minister.

Deeply pained by the demise of former Kerala CM Shri Oommen Chandy ji.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/gjX3fpzYHl

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 18, 2023

Kerala CM Vijayan said that a historic chapter in Kerala politics has come to an end today. He further appreciated his contributions as an administrator and people's leader.

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. pic.twitter.com/kYgivnkwJ5

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) July 18, 2023

Chandy's contributions to Kerala's advancement and development will always be recognized. He was a political stalwart. His lasting legacy will motivate future generations. May he rest in peace forever.

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