Rahul Gandhi described Oommen Chandy as the most emotionally intelligent person he had met in his 21 years of political life.
Published Jul 18, 2025 | 4:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 18, 2025 | 4:37 PM
Rahul Gandhi during the Oommen Chandy memorial function.
Synopsis: Speaking at the second Oommen Chandy memorial meet at Puthupally in Kottayam, Rahul Gandhi said the true leadership lies in the ability to feel for the people, and not merely speaking or thinking convincingly.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accused both the CPI(M) and the RSS of lacking empathy for the people.
Speaking at a memorial meeting in Puthuppally, Kottayam, marking the second death anniversary of former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy on Friday, 18 July, Gandhi urged Congress workers to imbibe Chandy’s deeply humane and people-centric approach to politics.
Calling Chandy a “guru” and a “master of the politics of feeling”, Gandhi said the late leader had left an indelible mark on his political journey with his unwavering commitment to the common man.
Gandhi emphasized that true leadership lies in the ability to feel for the people, not merely in speaking or thinking convincingly.
Rahul Gandhi with Oommen Chandy’s son Chandy Oommen, who now represents the Puthupally Assembly Constituency.
“I’ve been in politics since 2004. I may not have vast experience, but I’ve seen different kinds of politicians—those who speak persuasively, and those who think deeply. But over time, I realised that what truly matters is whether a politician can feel the pain, hopes, and struggles of the people,” he said.
Gandhi observed that some people may speak well or plan cleverly for their future, but genuine emotion is what distinguishes a true leader.
“Before you speak or think, you must first feel,” he said, adding that empathy demands curbing one’s greed and aggression.
Reflecting on his 22-year political journey, Gandhi described Chandy as “one of the masters of the politics of feeling.”
“If you cannot feel for the people, connect with them, or hug them, you cannot be a leader,” he said.
Gandhi went on to criticise both the RSS and the CPI(M), stating that while he battles them ideologically, his biggest complaint is their lack of emotional connection with the people.
“The real tragedy of Indian politics today is that very few care enough to listen or understand what others are going through,” he added.
Earlier, in a deeply emotional tribute, Gandhi described Chandy as the most emotionally intelligent person he had met in his 21 years of political life.
Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra on Sunday, 18 September, 2022. (Supplied)
“He was someone who understood human emotions more than anyone else,” Rahul said, recalling his enduring association with the former Kerala chief minister.
“I am someone who has seen him disappear into the crowd — he was that connected with the people,” he noted.
Gandhi recounted a poignant memory from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when Chandy, despite his deteriorating health, insisted on walking alongside him.
“Many advised him not to, including myself, but he still came. After walking a short distance, he was forced to return in a car. That act of showing up, even when his body resisted, was a reflection of how deeply he felt for the people,” Gandhi said.
Calling Chandy the embodiment of Kerala politics, Gandhi reflected on the values and traditions he represented. “Kerala has a tradition of producing such leaders, and I aspire to help nurture more people like him,” he said.
He remembered how Chandy remained graceful even during the worst phases of political attack.
“He was the target of brutal lies, but never did I hear him speak with anger or bitterness,” Gandhi recalled.
Reflecting on leadership, he compared the concepts of a teacher and a guru.
“A teacher explains, but a guru guides through action. Oommen Chandy was a guru — not just to me, but to Kerala. He never preached; he simply showed the way through his life.”
With evident admiration, Gandhi concluded that Chandy’s humility, dedication, and emotional depth continue to serve as a guiding light for all who wish to serve the people selflessly.
The state-level commemoration of Oommen Chandy conducted at the premises of St. George’s Church in Puthuppally was organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
During the function, Gandhi handed over the keys of 12 houses built and provided by the Oommen Chandy Foundation and inaugurated KPCC’s charity activities.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
