Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and described him as a humble and dedicated leader.
"In the passing away of Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, we have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala. I recall my various interactions with him, particularly when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states, and later when I moved to Delhi. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted.
Chandy (79) passed away this morning at a Bengaluru hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer. He had not been keeping well for quite some time and was staying in Bengaluru since November last year. He was ailing from throat cancer.
As a mark of respect, the Kerala government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday. A two-day mourning will be also observed in the state.
He had served as chief minister of Kerala twice.
Congress mourns loss
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and several other party leaders on Tuesday condoled the death of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy saying he stood tall as leader of masses and his visionary leadership left an indelible mark on Kerala's progress and the nation's political landscape.
In a tweet, Kharge said, "My humble tribute to the stalwart Oommen Chandy, Former Kerala Chief Minister and a staunch Congress man who stood tall as a leader of the masses. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on Kerala's progress and the nation's political landscape. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to the people."
"Heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters," he added.
Recalling him as a pillar of party, who dedicated his life to service, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "Deepest condolences to the family of Oommen Chandy. He was a pillar of the Congress party, a leader who dedicated his life to service and was deeply committed to the values we are fighting for today."
"We will all remember him with great respect and miss his wise counsel," she said.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also condoled the death of the veteran party leader by calling him an extraordinary personality and a truly mass leader. "A man of great simplicity and unfailing courtesy, he was a 24×7 politician giving everything he had to the welfare of his constituents and of the people of Kerala. His tenure as CM was notable for many achievements that were widely lauded and recognised by the UN as well. I was privileged to have known him for years and still recall our joint visits to various settlements in Attappadi ten years ago," he said.
Even Congress paid tributes to the former Chief Minister on its official Twitter handle it said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM and esteemed Congress leader, Oommen Chandy. "A stalwart in politics, his contributions to Kerala's progress and development will always be remembered. A true statesman, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace," the party said.
Chandy, 79, who served as Chief Minister of Kerala twice, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Tuesday.
(With inputs from IANS)
