'Now only my nephew's name is left'; Chandy Oommen about Maria Oommen's candidature

KOTTAYAM: Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen has said that he never expressed any dissatisfaction over his sister Maria Oommen’s candidature. He questioned how he could be responsible for news reports that appear every day in the media.

“I have not discussed this with anyone. The media gives a new name every morning. Now only my nephew’s name is left,” Chandy Oommen said.

There were reports that Maria Oommen, daughter of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, was being considered as the UDF candidate in Chengannur. Some reports also claimed that Chandy Oommen was unhappy with this and had told party leaders that there should not be two candidates from the same family. It was also reported that he said he would resign if Maria contests, and that he was ready to vacate the Puthuppally seat for her. Chandy Oommen has now said that all these reports are created by the media.

Meanwhile, he also said that flex boards and posters will not be used for campaigning in Puthuppally this time. He said the response from the public has been positive and party workers are very active. He expressed confidence of a complete victory.

He added that the focus is on the “Puthuppally without homeless people” project. Around 25 more houses are yet to be completed. A total of 100 houses are being built through the Oommen Chandy Foundation. He said this is the reason for avoiding flex boards and posters. The party symbol will be used. He added that the message is that the party is more important than any individual.