Oommen Chandy (31 October 1943 – 18 July 2023) was an Indian politician of the Indian National Congress who was Chief Minister of Kerala from 2004 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2016. He represented the Puthuppally constituency in the Kerala assembly without a break from 1970 until his death, a record 53 years. He was known for being constantly surrounded by ordinary people seeking help and for his “mass contact” meetings.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Oommen Chandy |
| Born | 31 October 1943, Kumarakom, Travancore (now Kerala), India |
| Died | 18 July 2023, Bengaluru, Karnataka (aged 79) |
| Party | Indian National Congress |
| Office | Chief Minister of Kerala (2004–2006, 2011–2016) |
| Constituency | Puthuppally (1970–2023) |
| Education | CMS College, Kottayam; St. Berchmans College, Changanassery; Government Law College, Ernakulam |
| Spouse | Mariamma Oommen |
| Children | 3 (Maria, Achu and Chandy Oommen) |
Early Life
Chandy was born into a Syrian Christian family and grew up at Puthuppally in Kottayam district. He entered politics through the Kerala Students Union, the Congress’s student wing, becoming its state president in 1967, and then headed the state Youth Congress.
Political Career
He won Puthuppally in 1970 at the age of 26 and held it in twelve consecutive elections. He was Minister for Labour in 1977, when his scheme of an unemployment allowance drew notice, and later held Home and Finance. For many years he was the chief organiser of the faction led by A. K. Antony.
He succeeded Antony in August 2004. In his second term, from 2011, he held “Jana Samparka Paripadi” meetings in every district, sitting for up to nineteen hours at a stretch to hear complaints and order relief on the spot; the programme won the United Nations Public Service Award in 2013. His government started the Kochi Metro, the Vizhinjam port and the Kannur airport. The term was overshadowed by the “solar scam”, in which a businesswoman accused of fraud made allegations against him and his office. He denied them, and the Central Bureau of Investigation later cleared him.
He was Leader of the Opposition from 2006 to 2011 and a general secretary of the party in charge of Andhra Pradesh.
Death
He was treated for throat cancer and died in Bengaluru on 18 July 2023. Tens of thousands lined the road as his body was taken from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally, a journey that took more than a day. His son, Chandy Oommen, won the by-election for his seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Oommen Chandy born?
Oommen Chandy was born on 31 October 1943 in Kumarakom, Travancore (now Kerala), India.
When did Oommen Chandy die?
Died: 18 July 2023, Bengaluru, Karnataka (aged 79).
Featured image: Oommen Chandy, then Chief Minister of Kerala, at an event in Vaikom, January 2013. Photo by Sivavkm, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
