Oommen Chandy: A political giant with a gentleman’s grace

During times of controversy and political turmoil, Chandy took stances that were politically astute, sending out messages without causing harm to anyone.

KOTTAYAM | Updated: 20 July, 2023 3:23 pm IST

Chandy made his debut in the political arena in 1970

KOTTAYAM: The passing of Oommen Chandy has left an indelible void in Kerala’s political and socio-cultural landscape. He was known as the ‘Man of the Masses,’ always ready to help people, be it in personal matters or larger issues concerning the public.

He breathed his last at the age of 79 in a Bengaluru hospital on July 18, leaving his admirers in tears. As his hearse set course from Thiruvananthapuram on July 19, heading towards his hometown in Kottayam, thousands of people gathered on either side of the road to pay their last respects to their beloved leader.

Throughout his five-decade-long political career, Chandy displayed two distinct facets of his personality – one as an absolute gentleman in Kerala politics and the other as a shrewd politician. During times of controversy and political turmoil, he took stances that were politically astute, sending out messages without causing harm to anyone.

With his departure, the question arises as to who will be his political successor. Not just within the Congress party, but across party lines, there are few leaders in the state who possess the same tactical skills, political acumen, and mass appeal that he had.

The enormous crowd lining up along the procession route of his hearse to catch a glimpse of their favorite leader is a testament to his popularity and the bond he shared with people of all ages, religions, and races.

*Thousands gather in Kottayam to pay their last respect to former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy*

A glance at his illustrious political career

Chandy made his debut in the political arena in 1970, which he referred to as an “accidental entry into politics.” He won his first assembly election by defeating CPM’s EM George. He continued his winning streak in 1977, 1980, and 1982, defeating candidates from the main opposition CPM.

From 1987 onwards, the CPI (M) tried various political maneuvers to unseat Chandy from the Puthupally seat, but their attempts were in vain. In the 2021 assembly elections, he defeated CPI (M)’s young face, Jaik P Thomas, with a margin of 9044 votes.

Chandy’s rise was remarkable, and by 1977, he became the Labor Minister in the K Karunakaran-led Congress government. Although associated with the Antony camp, known as the A Group in the conflict-ridden Kerala Congress, he stood opposite to the I-Group led by K Karunakaran.

In 1994, during the ISRO spy case that rocked Kerala politics, Chandy, as the convener of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), played a crucial role in unseating then CM Karunakaran.

In 2011, when Chandy assumed office for his second and final term as Chief Minister, the gap between UDF and LDF was only two MLAs. Despite pressure from allies and the public due to several scandals, Chandy’s flexibility and practical politics helped the Congress complete the full term in 2016. After Karunakaran, he was the only Congress CM in Kerala to serve a full five years in office.

During this second term, CM Chandy launched a mass contact program, where he personally listened to public grievances and prioritized resolving them through a special team. This program received praise for its unique democratic outreach.

It was during his tenure that crucial infrastructure projects such as Vizhinjam International Sea-port, Kochi metro, and Smart city project were inaugurated.

Chandy, who wished not to be given state honors, will be laid to rest at his home parish, St George’s Orthodox Church in Puthupally. His selfless public service, political acumen, and modest lifestyle will be remembered by generations to come in Kerala.