Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the demise of former chief minister Oommen Chandy. In his condolence message, the chief minister said Chandy was a person who dedicated his life to politics and his role in controlling the course of the history of Congress politics for half a century was remarkable. Even during his illness, he was busy in completing the duties undertaken. Chandy's sincerity towards public work is an example for the new generation as well. In his condolence message, the chief minister mentioned that Chandy is leaving an irreparable gap in the public sphere of Kerala.

Congress leader and former chief minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy passed away Tuesday morning. With this ends an important chapter in the Kerala politics. Many of the qualities left behind by Oommen Chandy will survive the times in Kerala politics.

He was repeatedly elected to the assembly from the same constituency. Thus, completed more than five decades of his legislative career. Didn’t know what failure is even at one stage of the election. These are the things that have been possible only for a very few people in the history of world parliaments. Chandy is among those rare legislators. That very feature is a proof of the influence he gained in the hearts of the people.

We were elected to the assembly in the same year in 1970. However, most of the years I was involved in general political activities outside the assembly. Sometimes in assembly. However, Chandy remained a member of the assembly ever since he took the oath. Many Congress leaders including K Karunakaran and A K Antony were elected to the parliament. Assembly was always dear to Chandy. He had not left it. His relationship with the people of Kerala needs no greater illustration than this.

In the early seventies, the Kerala Legislative Assembly was noted for the presence of many youths. Chandy was constantly given tasks that were not available to any of them. He served as a minister thrice. He became the chief minister for the fourth time. He was able to handle important departments like finance, home and labour.

He is a person who dedicated his life to politics. Since 1970, Chandy has been an active presence in the political mainstream of Kerala. Chandy's role in controlling the course of the half-century history of Congress politics has always been remarkable. Chandy has been decisively involved in the decision of leadership of Congress, UDF and the cabinet.

Chandy, who rose to the leadership of the state Congress through the KSU and the Youth Congress, has taken care to be basically a Puthupally man even while working in the state level Congress leadership. He was always guided by hard work and perseverance. He indulged in Congress politics without giving any importance to food and sleep and not even looking after his health. Even during his illness, he was busy in completing the duties undertaken. Chandy's sincerity towards public work is an example for the new generation as well. His departure leaves an irreparable void in Kerala's public sphere. Joins in the grief of the family members, Congress party, UDF and all dear ones. Condoles the death of Chandy.