THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was the most dynamic leader of the Congress party. Pinarayi Vijayan also said that the death of Oommen Chandy has caused a great loss to the Congress party and the UDF and it cannot be compensated easily. He was speaking at the memorial program of Oommen Chandy organized by KPCC.

"The demise of Oommen Chandy is a great loss for the Congress as well as the UDF. Despite his severe illness, Oommen Chandy used to travel all over Kerala to strengthen the party. The void left by Oommen Chandy cannot be filled easily. Oommen Chandy, who was active in politics right from his student days, was a great organizer and leader of the Congress," Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"Oommen Chandy started his parliamentary career in 1970. He represented the Puthuppally constituency for 53 years and consistently performed that function beautifully. As a part of this, Oommen Chandy was able to manage many departments in a good manner. His extensive experience gave him strength during his two-time tenure as Chief Minister," he said.

"Oommen Chandy did not have the word 'rest' in his dictionary. He had great acceptance within the Congress party because of his leadership quality. Finally, even though he was hounded by the disease, Oommen Chandy did not falter in front of the disease," Pinarayi added.