Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, on July 18 joined political and religious leaders to mourn the death of Oommen Chandy, who served the southern Indian state of Kerala as its chief minister twice.
Chandy died at 4:25 am on July 18 while undergoing treatment for cancer in a private hospital in Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka, a neighboring state. He would have turned 80 on October 31.
The death was announced by Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, in a Facebook post.
Chandy, a member of the Syrian Orthodox Church, is survived by his wife Mariamma and children Maria Oommen, Chandy Oommen and Achu Oommen.
The Kerala government has announced July 19 as a public holiday along with two days of mourning as a mark of respect to the former chief minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Chandy’s death saying India has “lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala.”
The premier also shared a few photographs of the late politician and recalled his various interactions with Chandy, particularly when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
“My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Mourning Chandy’s death, Cardinal Alencherry said the politician had served Kerala as a legislator for 50 years and chief minister twice, leaving “a deep impression on the hearts of the people” of the state. “He loved the people of Kerala and the people of Kerala loved him,” the prelate said in his condolence message.
“He was a teacher among political activists. He was able to treat everyone with respect and cooperate in the activities without distinction between ruling party and opposition party. He never thought of revenge even against his political opponents,” the cardinal said.
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