'Won't campaign against my childhood friend'; Achu Oommen clears air on Pathanamthitta UDF campaigning

PATHANAMTHITTA: Achu Oommen, daughter of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, cleared the air saying she will not campaign against Anil Antony in Pathanamthitta. Being childhood friends with Anil Antony, Achu Oommen curtly refused the proposal to campaign for UDF in Pathanamthitta, to maintain the bonhomie with Anil's family.

Both Oommen Chandy and Anil Antony’s father, veteran AK Antony cherished a strong friendship throughout their political career. This friendship soon led the two families to be very close together. After a long fight with several health-related issues, Oommen Chandy passed away on July 18 2023. Antony, despite being affected by ill health, came to see Oommen Chandy for one last time at the latter's residence, in an emotional farewell.

Oommen Chandy's loyalist and sitting MP Anto Antony is the UDF candidate in Pathanamthitta. As per survey reports, BJP's Anil Anotny might gain some crucial votes which will be decisive for the constituency. Former minister Thomas Isaac is the LDF candidate in the constituency.