Oommen Chandy was my Guru: Rahul Gandhi

KOTTAYAM: Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi described Oommen Chandy as his Guru, noting that Chandy exemplified numerous values through his actions. "A guru is more than just a teacher — he is also a guide," Rahul said.

Rahul was inaugurating the 'Oommen Chandy Smriti Sangamam' (Oommen Chandy Memorial Gathering) organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Puthuppally in connection with the second death anniversary of Oommen Chandy.

Rahul Gandhi said it was one of the greatest honours of his life to have the opportunity to speak about Oommen Chandy. He noted that the youth of Kerala who follow Oommen Chandy's example in politics are being closely observed. “I’ve never seen someone who understood people the way Oommen Chandy did,” Rahul said.

"Even when doctors advised him not to walk, Oommen Chandy insisted on joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Eventually, he had to be forced into a car. His services were never for votes,” Rahul said.

KPCC President Sunny Joseph presided over the event. Rahul Gandhi also handed over keys to houses built by the Oommen Chandy Foundation, and inaugurated the Smrithi Tharangam project initiated by KPCC to support hearing-impaired children.

Several dignitaries spoke at the event. Rahul Gandhi arrived at the venue after offering floral tributes at Oommen Chandy's tomb. A special prayer was also held at St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Puthuppally.

He was a victim of political persecution
Rahul Gandhi also said that Oommen Chandy was subjected to brutal political persecution, marked by a continuous barrage of lies and criminal accusations. “Even during that time, I never once heard him speak angrily about another person over the phone,” Rahul recalled. “He maintained inner peace and worked for the people with a calm mind.”