Today marks exactly three years since the departure of former Kerala Chief Minister and political stalwart Oommen Chandy. Renowned for his relentless efforts to listen to the grievances of ordinary citizens and provide immediate redressal, Chandy remains an irreplaceable figure. The void created by his absence in Kerala politics, as well as within the Congress party, continues to be deeply felt. The crowd was always Oommen Chandy’s primary source of energy, and his doors remained permanently open to anyone approaching him with a grievance. It was the comforting assurance that there was someone to closely listen to their hardships that transformed him into one of Kerala’s most beloved leaders. It has now been three years since Puthuppally’s own “Kunjoonju” held his final mass interaction.
A loose khadi shirt, uncombed, dishevelled hair, and a gentle demeanor—his heartwarming smile was always filled with affection. Even during his failing health, Oommen Chandy never stopped listening to the sorrows of those who traveled to meet him. In a political journey spanning over five decades with the masses as his trademark, Chandy assumed various coveted positions of power. He served as the UDF Convenor, KPCC President, Minister for Home and Finance portfolios, Leader of the Opposition, and Congress Working Committee member. Above all, he stood tall as the state’s popular Chief Minister for two terms. Even today, ordinary citizens continue to flock to his tomb at the Puthuppally St. George Orthodox Church to share their grievances. If the common folk still hold the profound faith that this man will listen to their sorrows and guide them to a solution even after death, then without a doubt, he was a truly righteous leader.
മലയാളം ലഘു വിവരണം
മുൻ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ഉമ്മൻ ചാണ്ടിയുടെ ഓർമ്മകൾക്ക് മുന്നിൽ കേരളം ഇന്ന് മൂന്നാം ചരമവാർഷികം ആചരിക്കുന്നു. അഞ്ച് പതിറ്റാണ്ടുകാലം ജനങ്ങൾക്കിടയിൽ ജീവിച്ച്, അവരുടെ സങ്കടങ്ങൾക്ക് കാതോർത്ത ജനകീയ നേതാവായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹം. രണ്ടുതവണ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയായും മന്ത്രിയായും തിളങ്ങിയ അദ്ദേഹം വിടപറഞ്ഞിട്ട് മൂന്ന് വർഷമാകുമ്പോഴും പുതുപ്പള്ളി പള്ളിയിലെ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ കല്ലറയിലേക്ക് ജനങ്ങൾ ഇന്നും ഒഴുകിയെത്തുന്നു.
(With input from MN)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com