Oommen Chandy was a senior Indian politician who served as the 10th Chief Minister of Kerala for two terms, from 2004 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2016. He was also the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011.
Chandy was born in Puthuppally, Kottayam district, Kerala, on 31 October 1943. He studied law at the University of Kerala and then worked as a lawyer before entering politics. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1965 and was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970. He served in various ministerial positions in the INC governments of K. Karunakaran and A. K. Antony, including as Finance Minister and Home Minister.
In 2004, Chandy was elected Chief Minister of Kerala for the first time. He was re-elected in 2011. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Chandy focused on improving the state’s infrastructure, promoting tourism, and providing social welfare programs. He also played a key role in resolving the long-standing dispute over the Mullaperiyar Dam.
Chandy was a popular and respected leader in Kerala. He was known for his affable personality and his commitment to public service. He was also a strong advocate for secularism and communal harmony.
Chandy passed away on 18 July 2023 at the age of 79. He was survived by his wife, Mariamma Ummen, a Son Chandy Oommen, and two daughters.
Here are some of Oommen Chandy’s achievements as Chief Minister of Kerala:
- He improved the state’s infrastructure by building roads, bridges, and hospitals.
- He promoted tourism by developing new tourism destinations and improving the state’s tourism infrastructure.
- He provided social welfare programs for the poor and the marginalized.
- He played a key role in resolving the long-standing dispute over the Mullaperiyar Dam.
Oommen Chandy was a respected and popular leader who made significant contributions to the state of Kerala. He will be remembered for his commitment to public service, his affable personality, and his dedication to secularism and communal harmony.