The former CM of Kerala Oommen Chandy passed away at the age of 79 this morning at 4:25 am in a hospital in Bengaluru.

Chandy was undergoing treatment for throat cancer in Bengaluru. His son, Chandy Oommen announced about his father's death through a social media post around 5 am.

The Kerala government has announced Tuesday as a public holiday and two days' mourning as a mark of respect to the late former CM Chandy.

Chandy’s political journey began at a young age with the Kerala Students Union. As a student activist, his commitment to public welfare and grassroots politics quickly earned him recognition within the party

Chandy’s political journey in mainstream politics started as MLA from the 1970s. He represented his home town Puthupally in Kottayam district for five decades. He had won assembly elections 12 times in a row.

Chandy handled the home and finance portfolios of the state cabinet before serving as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2004 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2016. Chandy was hailed for his quick decisions and their implementation,with a vision for progress and inclusive development of Kerala.

Chandy was made general secretary of All India Congress Committee in 2018.

Chandy often preferred to remain in state politics. Chandy was well known for his simple lifestyle.

Chandy’s demise is an irreplaceable loss not only for the Congress but also for the people of Kerala.

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