Puthuppally: On the second death anniversary of veteran Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, paid heartfelt tributes while using the occasion to deliver a pointed critique of the ruling CPI(M) and the RSS.
Addressing a large gathering at the memorial function held at St George Orthodox Church courtyard in Puthuppally, where Chandy is buried, Gandhi reflected on his political journey and the qualities that make a true leader. He said that during his two decades in politics, he had come to realize that a politician's ability to genuinely connect with people matters far more than oratory skills.
“It doesn’t matter how well a politician speaks. What matters is that one should have a feel of what he is speaking about the issue. Feelings are something that come from within and with humility,” Gandhi said.
In a veiled attack on the CPI(M) and the RSS, Gandhi added, “I oppose and I fight them in the realm of ideas through speeches. But the biggest complaint against them is that they don’t have or know the feelings of the people. If you are not going to connect with people, touch their hearts, then no one can be a leader. The tragedy in Indian politics is that leaders don’t feel for the people.”
His remarks come amid growing political activity in Kerala, where the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF have been traditional rivals. In recent years, the BJP has also made inroads, gaining 16 per cent of the vote share. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently urged the state BJP to aim for a 25 per cent share in the upcoming local body polls.
Gandhi’s sharp critique was well received by Congress supporters present at the event, which drew a large crowd despite the rain. Many considered it a powerful moment of political assertion on a day meant to honor one of Kerala’s most beloved leaders.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi visited Chandy’s tomb, lit a candle, and paid his respects alongside family members and admirers of the late leader.
Chandy passed away on July 18, 2023, in Bengaluru while undergoing treatment for throat cancer. His funeral procession from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally drew massive crowds so that it took more than 30 hours to cover a distance of 130 kms.
Chandy’s record-breaking tenure as MLA from Puthuppally spanned 53 years, a legacy that remains unmatched in Kerala politics.
As Rahul Gandhi’s remarks resonated with party cadres, many viewed the speech as a renewed political charge ahead of a crucial election year. The third anniversary of Chandy’s passing will fall shortly after a new government assumes office.