Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday paid his last respects to former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy even as a host of leaders from the state joined him in mourning the demise of the veteran Congress leader. Stalin, who is in Bengaluru to attend the second opposition conclave hosted by the Congress, said Chandy was a great statesman and a true people's leader who dedicated his life to public service.
Kerala: "Oommen Chandy & I had a long-term association in the political field...We were like brothers...This is a great loss for me...There can never be an alternative to him...": AK Saseendran, Kerala Minister on the demise of former CM Oommen Chandy
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoles the demise of former Kerala CM and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy "I am deeply grieved to know about the sad demise of our former CM Oommen Chandy, who had the distinction of serving in the Kerala Legislative Assembly for over 50 years...," he says.
Keralites led by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and political leaders across party affiliations, in the state mourned the death of former CM Oommen Chandy, who died at the age of 79 in Bengaluru early on Tuesday.
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Veteran Congress leader and two-time Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy passed away early morning on Tuesday in a Bengaluru hospital. His son, Chandy Oommenn, broke the news in a Facebook post where he said, “Appa has passed away.”
The demise of Chandy has led to the Left-led Kerala government announcing a two-day state mourning and a public holiday for Tuesday.
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"Chandy Ji represented the spirit of Kerala and the spirit of India. He was a true leader of the people of Kerala. We will all miss him," says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the demise of former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy in Bengaluru.
Karnataka | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and party leader Rahul Gandhi arrive at the residence of former Karnataka minister T John's residence in Bengaluru to pay last respects to former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy. His mortal remains have been kept here.
“Oommen Chandy’s untimely demise is a great loss for the people of Kerala, Congress party and the UDF,” says Congress leader AK Antony on the demise of former Kerala CM.
"I am very sad. He served in Congress party for long. He was a good administrator, good chief minister and good organiser," says Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as he arrives at a Bengaluru hospital to pay last respects to former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, who passed away earlier today.
"Oomen Chandy was the most popular leader Kerala has ever seen,” says Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on the demise of former Kerala CM.
PM Narendra Modi tweets, "In the passing away of 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."
Karnataka: "Biggest loss for entire Congress and Democratic Movement of Kerala. He was the leader of the mass. He had a hardworking attitude. There is no comparison of his workstyle in today's Kerala politics. He never cared about his health and only worked for the people...This is a larger-level meeting (Opposition meeting), with condolence we will continue the meeting that's what we have decided," says Congress general secretary KC Venugopal following the demise of former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy
Thiruvananthapuram | Congress MLA and former Kerala LoP Ramesh Chennithala condoles the demise of former Kerala CM and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy. He says, "...He was termed as people's leader. His long association with the people of Kerala is well remembered...He was always with the people. His contribution to Kerala is commendable. People of Kerala and India will always remember his contribution to the nation..."
Bengaluru, Karnataka | Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N. K. Premachandran condoles the demise of former Kerala CM and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy He says, "...The basic concept of Oommen Chandy in his public activities & political activities is to help the poor and marginalised sections of society. He was always with the people, for the people and among the people...As the CM of Kerala, he did innovative works in the field of development...It is a big loss - not only for Kerala or Congress but entire humanity..."
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweets, "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. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to the people. Heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters."
The tale of the king who triumphed over the world with the power of 'love' finds its poignant end. Today, I am deeply saddened by the loss of a legend, Oommen Chandy. He touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will forever resonate within our souls. RIP!
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan expresses deep grief over the death of former CM Oommen Chandy. "We were elected to the Legislative Assembly in the same year. It was at the same stage that we came to the political fore through student life. We led public life at the same time and it is extremely difficult to bid him farewell. Oommen Chandy was a capable administrator and a person who was closely involved in people's lives.," says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Bengaluru, Karnataka | Indian Union Muslim League leader ETMuhammed Basheer condoles the demise of former Kerala CM and senior Congress leader, Oommen Chandy; says, "He was the most efficient administrator and his main quality was compassion...I have worked under him. He was the most capable minister. He dedicated his life to the people...You cannot compare Oommen Chandy with anybody. This is a loss for the entire political system."