Former Kerala Chief Minister and Congress leader Oommen Chandy died early Tuesday in Bengaluru. He was 79. Chandy Oommen, his son, confirmed his father’s death on Facebook. “Appa has passed away,” his son stated on his Facebook page, without going into any detail.
Chandy had been in Bengaluru for treatment at a health centre after not feeling well for quite some time. According to ANI, he was receiving cancer treatment in Bengaluru.
At the same time, two days of national mourning have been declared in the aftermath of Chandy’s death. As a result, Kerala has declared that it will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, all government offices and educational institutions, including professional colleges, will be closed on Tuesday, according to Mint. The Kerala High Court will also be closed on Tuesday due to the death of the former Chief Minister, according to Bar and Bench.
“We have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said of Oommen Chandy’s death.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his sorrow, saying, “We were elected to the Legislative Assembly in the same year.” We came to the political fore at the same time through student life.”
He described Oommen Chandy as a good administrator who was deeply concerned in people’s lives. “We were in public life at the same time, and it’s extremely difficult to say goodbye,” Vijayan remarked.
Kerala Congress president K Sudhakaran expressed his condolences as well. “The story of the king who triumphed over the world with the power of ‘love’ comes to a poignant end,” he tweeted. I am profoundly grieved by the passing of a legend, @Oommen_Chandy, today. He touched the lives of numerous people, and his legacy will live on in our hearts forever. RIP!”
Chandy served as Kerala’s chief minister twice.