Kottayam: The funeral preparations for Oommen Chandy, a two-time Chief Minister of Kerala, have commenced in Thirunakkara Maidanam, his hometown of Puthupally in Kottayam district. A multitude of people gathered on Thursday, expecting the presence of top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who will pay their respects to the departed leader. Oommen Chandy passed away in Bengaluru on July 18.

The funeral procession, which commenced this morning from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthupally, witnessed an overwhelming crowd lining the streets, bidding a heartfelt farewell to the Congress veteran. Later this evening, the venerable leader will be laid to rest at the St. George Orthodox church cemetery in Puthuppally.

Chandy's mortal remains arrived in Thiruvananthapuram from Bengaluru on a special flight on Tuesday afternoon. The public had the opportunity to pay their final respects at various locations, including the Durbar Hall of the state secretariat, St. George Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, the KPCC headquarters, and his residence in the state capital.

On Wednesday morning, supporters of the late chief minister gathered at the party office in Thiruvananthapuram to pay their tributes.

As a mark of respect, the Kerala government declared a two-day state mourning period.

Political leaders from various parties, including State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, President Droupadu Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, expressed their condolences for Chandy's passing and remembered his significant contributions to public service.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan fondly recalled Chandy's political journey, stating, "Oommen Chandy began his political career through student activism and continued to exhibit the same strength and enthusiasm throughout his life."

"In the passing away of Shri Oommen Chandy Ji, we have lost a humble and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and worked towards the progress of Kerala. I recall my various interactions with him, particularly when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states and later when I moved to Delhi," PM Modi expressed in a tweet on Tuesday.

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