Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy passed away in a private hospital in Bengaluru this morning following prolonged illness. He was 79. He was undergoing treatment for throat-related ailments for some time. The State Government has declared two days of official mourning in the State. Offices, schools and colleges will remain closed today as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Oommen Chandy served as the Kerala chief minister twice – from 2004-06 and 2011-16. The veteran leader began his stint as a legislator by winning in the 1970 state assembly elections at the age of 27. He later went on to win 11 consecutive polls. He represented the Puthupally assembly constituency and was the longest-serving MLA in the state assembly.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed deep sorrow over the passing away of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Mr Vijayan termed him as a capable administrator who remained closely entwined with people’s lives. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in his condolence message termed the veteran political leader as the gentle face of Kerala politics whose death was an irreparable loss. Reports said, the mortal remains of Oommen Chandy will be brought to Thiruvananthapuram and will be taken to Puthuppally in Kottayam district.
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