Chandy Oommen has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership, marking a significant development in Kerala's political landscape. This comes at a time when discussions about a possible leadership change in the KPCC are gaining momentum.
Published Dec 10, 2024 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 10, 2024 | 8:25 PM
Chandy Oommen with Ramesh Chennithala. (South First)
It is often a daunting task for politicians from political families to carve out an identity of their own, especially when overshadowed by the towering legacy of their predecessors. Former chief minister and Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, has faced this challenge head-on, gradually building his name and reputation within Kerala’s political landscape.
Serving as a Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Puthuppally — a seat his father represented for over five decades — Chandy Oommen has already made significant strides in his public life.
In 2022, Chandy Oommen took part in the Rahul Gandhi-led 4,000-kilometer Bharat Jodo Yatra barefoot, demonstrating his commitment to his party and national unity.
Now, Chandy Oommen has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership, marking a significant development in Kerala’s political landscape. This comes even as discussions about a possible leadership change in the KPCC are gaining momentum.
A: I chose not to address this earlier, and I still prefer not to say much. I went to Palakkad for just two day during the campaign. The leadership must prioritise unity and ensure that everyone is brought together.
During the Palakkad bypoll elections, I was the only one who was not assigned any responsibility, and I don’t know the reason behind it. I am not looking for further discussion on this matter.
My position is simple. I will go wherever the party calls me. I believe in moving forward with the party’s direction.
A: I didn’t intend to frame it as a coordination flaw, but my concern is that I wasn’t assigned any tasks. The bypolls took place in three constituencies, including the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, where Priyanka Gandhi ji made her debut.
However, the Kerala leadership did not assign me any responsibility in Chelakkara and Palakkad. That’s why I mentioned that I am willing to go anywhere the party needs me and assigns tasks. There is no criticism of the party.
I campaigned in Palakkad and Chelakkara for two days, but since the party did not give me priority, Wayanad became my priority. So, I moved to the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and campaigned there.
A: I was assigned a charge in Maharashtra, and Ramesh ji (Ramesh Chennithala) called me to campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Even though it is election time in Kerala, I felt it would be inappropriate if I didn’t go to Maharashtra. That’s why I actively participated in the Maharashtra campaigns for a few days.
I didn’t want to comment on how elections are being handled in Kerala and Maharashtra. It’s all a decision made by Ramesh ji. I don’t know why things are handled this way in Kerala.
A: I didn’t mean any specific leader, but there should be representation of youngsters in the party leadership in Kerala. There should be inclusivity in leadership, with representation from youngsters, women, and Dalit communities. These are basic essential changes that should happen in party leadership.
I will discuss this matter with KPCC President K Sudhakaran sir. I will meet him soon, when he is available, and will discuss the need for inclusivity of all sections in party leadership.
Also, I plan to discuss the same with high command.
A: It is crucial for us to progress together. Exclusion of anyone cannot be accepted. Currently, some are distancing themselves while others are being left out. However, this does not mean the KPCC president should be changed. The appropriate course of action is to ensure full inclusion during the party’s reorganisation.
I do not support the calls for K Sudhakaran’s resignation as KPCC president as such discussions should not even be entertained.
A: There are no issues between Rahul and I, but a communication gap occurred. That’s why I was out of place when he visited my Appa’s tomb. He assured me that he would come again when I’m in Puthuppally.
Many people visit Appa’s tomb, it’s a personal choice. Many have a deep personal connection with him. Just yesterday, I met a man who shared the connection he had with my Appa and mentioned how he received a lot of help from him. Very few days that pass without such experiences being shared by people about Appa.
Anyway, when I’m in Puthuppally, I begin and end my day by visiting my Appa’s tomb. It’s a routine.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
