Oomen Chandy | A flood of tributes; Kerala government declares a public holiday on Tuesday

Kerala mourns the passing of former CM Oomen Chandy, a “24x7 politician” who was respected across the political spectrum.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s death prompted a flood of tributes from leaders across the political spectrum. 

On Tuesday, a special flight from Bengaluru will bring his mortal remains to Thiruvananthapuram. His body will lie in state in Thiruvananthapuram and will later be taken for burial at his native village Puthupally in Kottayam district. 

Meanwhile, the Kerala Government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday to mourn his passing. The State will observe a two-day mourning. Kerala and Calicut universities have postponed examinations scheduled for the day. 

Also read | Oommen Chandy’s emergence as undisputed leader of Congress

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed Mr. Chandy’s passing the end of an era in Kerala politics. He said Mr. Chandy’s legacy would endure beyond his time. 

In a condolence message, Mr. Vijayan recalled that he and Mr. Chandy were elected MLAs the same year in 1970. Mr. Chandy had set a record in parliamentary politics by serving as a legislator from the same constituency for more than five decades. “Mr. Chandy maintained a deep emotional bond with the people of Kerala. He preferred to serve them close at hand from the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He was a tall figure in State politics. He was enthusiastic and hardworking in all his endeavours”, Mr. Vijayan said. 

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan said Kerala lost a popular and shining leader in Mr. Chandy’s passing. “The people felt they owned Mr. Chandy, and he always upheld their trust,” he said.