IDUKKI: 'Oommen Chandy is equal to God for us. We got a roof over our head and electricity because of sir. We had a place in his heart for us...' Sukumaran, the ooru chief of Oommen Chandy Colony could not continue anymore. Colony residents who saw the beloved leader as a family member will observe Pula (an important after-death ritual) for seven days. More than 50 people from the colony will pay their last respects at Kottayam today.

There is a colony named after Oommen Chandy at Mazhuvadi in Kanjikuzhy panchayat near Cheruthoni. In 1976, the land was given to 39 tribal families as a result of Oommen Chandy's efforts. The natives named the colony after the leader.

95 families belonging to the Mannan community of the colony will observe Pula for seven days from tomorrow, the day the funeral will take place. Fasting will be done by giving up fish and meat. On these days, a portion of food will be set aside for Oommen Chandi in every household. On the 26th, when seven days are completed, the pulavidal ceremony will be held at the panchayat community hall. On that day, Sadya will be prepared and served.

Oommen Chandy has visited the colony three times. In 2014, when he came as Chief Minister, one crore rupees was allocated for infrastructure development. When he last visited the colony on August 22, 2017, Sukumaran complained that tribals were not adequately represented in local elections. Then on the suggestion of Oommen Chandy, the ninth ward which was a general seat was given to Sukumaran. Sukumaran won with a majority of 153 votes.

Sukumaran met Oommen Chandy in person when he returned home to Kottayam months ago after undergoing treatment in Bengaluru. As per the suggestion of Oommen Chandy, the steps to start an engineering college in the colony have been started.