KOTTAYAM: Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy passed away at a hospital in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Tuesday. He was 79. Chandy was under treatment for cancer in the hospital. The mortal remains will be brought to the state capital on Tuesday. A public holiday has been declared in the state as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Life and Political Career of Oommen Chandy
Oommen Chandy, also known as OC or Kunjoonju, was a popular figure in Kerala politics. He was known for his extensive travels across the state, making use of public transport as a legislator. Chandy served as the chief minister of Kerala twice, in 2004 and 2011. He also held various ministerial positions, including Labour, Home, and Finance.
Popular CM with Innovative Governance
As chief minister, Chandy implemented a range of innovative practices in democratic governance. He introduced the Mass Contact Programme, which allowed direct access to leaders and senior civil servants of the government. Chandy’s policies focused on transparency, accountability, and bridging the gap between people and officials. His administration was praised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its efforts in strengthening people’s access and participation in governance.
Puthuppally’s Kunjoonju
Chandy’s hometown was Puthuppally, where he enjoyed immense popularity. Every week, he would visit his ancestral home and meet with the people of his constituency. Chandy’s weekly durbar in Puthuppally served as a prototype for the Mass Contact Programme. He was known for his accessibility and maintained good relations with socio-political-cultural-religious leaders in the state.
Unique Style of Administration
Chandy’s administration was characterized by slogans like “Athivegam bahudooram” and “Vikasanavum Karuthalaum,” reflecting his approach to governance. Despite his age and health issues, Chandy remained the most popular Congress leader in Kerala. He was born on October 31, 1943, in Kumarakom, Kottayam district. Chandy entered politics through the Congress’ student wing and held various positions within the party before becoming the chief minister.
Key Milestones in Oommen Chandy’s Life
- 1962-63: KSU Kottayam district secretary
- 1965: KSU state general secretary
- 1967: KSU state president
- 1969: Youth Congress state president
- 1970: First win from Puthuppally at the age of 27
- 1977-78: Labour minister at the age of 33
- 1982: Home minister
- 1982-85: UDF convenor
- 1991-1994: Finance minister
- 1994: Resigns as finance minister
- 2001-2004: UDF convenor
- August 31, 2004: Becomes the 19th chief minister of Kerala
- 2006-2011: Opposition leader
- May 18, 2011: Becomes chief minister for a second time
- August 9, 2011: Handover of vigilance department
- April 12, 2012: Handover of Home department
- June 27, 2013: Received United Nations Public Service Award
- June 28, 2013: Former personal assistant arrested in solar scam
- August 13, 2013: Judicial probe on Solar scam
- October 11, 2013: High Court gives clean chit
- October 27, 2013: Stone pelted at Chandy during protest
- January 24, 2021: Solar case probe handed over to CBI
- March 25, 2021: No evidence against Chandy in sexual assault case
- January 24, 2022: Court orders defamation suit payment
- December 28, 2022: CBI gives clean chit in sexual harassment case
Source: The Times of India
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