‘Lived Like A Common Man, Died Like One’: Kerala Bids Tearful Farewell To Former CM Oommen Chandy

Former Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy enjoyed great popularity and love among the people and his funeral procession which took 28 hours to cover from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottayam, 150 km distance which usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours is proof of that.

From the time he started the funeral procession from his ‘Puthuppali House’ his residence in Thiruvananthapuram had been dispensed with as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects.

Often, the car carrying his remains could not move farther as hundreds of old men, women and children waited to pay their last tribute and mourn the death of their loving leader.

The crowd refused to disperse despite the rain and thousands were waiting patiently to catch one last glimpse of their beloved Omen. Everyone who attended the last rites only praised him when children held up posters that read, “We love you Abacha, and we will miss you.”

His followers, who were in the thousands, were raising banners to bid farewell to their favorite leader who had spent his life among and for the people.

“Kanne karale kunjunje” (Which means our eye and our heart “kunjunju) “aaru paranju MariChennu, jeevikunnu najngalilude” (Who said you are dead, you live through us, our memories) and “A thousand kisses to you, Oommen Chandy,” the voices echoed as Chandy departed for the heavenly abode.

As the funeral procession approaches Kottayam, people are seen running with the vehicle carrying his remains.

Former CM of Kerala, Oommen Chandy was a guy who used to work more than 19-20 hours. His mass arrival programs to interact with the audience would start at 9 am and continue until the other day.

Those who know Oommen Chandy know a man who is accessible to the general public despite being in a position of power.

During his tenure, the official residence of the Prime Minister was open to all who wanted to meet their leader and discuss their problems. He was never spotted alone because he was always among people.

When asked, Oommen Chandy has always said that he gets his energy from people. He never liked being alone and Kerala made sure that he was not alone even during his latest trip.

The love and respect for Chandni was unparalleled, and the presence of his political opponents, who were struggling to hold back their tears, was proof of that.

It is a great loss for Kerala, the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, A.N. Shamseer recalled how Chandni always greeted him with a smile even after he severely criticized him in the state assembly.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also reached out to pay his final respects and teared up while talking about Chandy.

In terms of his political career, Puthuppally’s BLA was for 53 years. He was elected for the first time in 1970.

Dehi was reportedly contacted by the Congress Central Command several times, but Chandni always said he wanted to work in Kerala.

Chandni’s death is a void that the Kerala Congress cannot fill.

“My father said he was an ordinary man, who lives like one and does not want to honor the state. Chandni’s son said.

Oommen Chandy was laid to rest at Puthupally Church around midnight on Friday.