Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy died due to prolonged illness at Chinmaya Hospital in Bengaluru at 4.25 am on Tuesday.

He was 79.

His son Chandy Ommen confirmed his father's demise in a Facebook post, saying, "Appa has passed away."

The former Chief Minister has been undergoing medical treatment in Bengaluru for the last several months.

He is survived by his wife, Mariamma Ummen, daughters Achu Oommen and Maria Oommen, and son Chandy Oommen.

The two-time former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who completed 50 years as a MLA, was the most popular face of Congress in Kerala, representing his hometown of Puthupally in Kottayam district since 1970.

He also served as Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and All India Congress Committee (AICC) Incharge of Andhra Pradesh.

Chandy was the unit president of KSU (Kerala Students Union) at St George High School, Puthupally, and the State President of the organisation during 1967-69.

He was elected president of the State Youth Congress in 1970.

Chandy completed his pre university course from CMS College, Kottayam, and his BA Economics from St Berchmans College, Changanassery. He took a bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from Government Law College, Ernakulam.

He was the Minister for Labour from April 11, 1977, to April 25, 1977, in the first K. Karunakaran Ministry and continued holding the same portfolio in the succeeding first AK Antony Ministry till October 27, 1978.

He was in charge of the home portfolio in the second K Karunakaran Ministry from December 28, 1981 to March 17, 1982. Again, he was sworn in as a minister in the fourth K Karunakaran Ministry on July 2, 1991. He was in charge of Finance Portfolio and resigned from the cabinet on June 22, 1994.

In 2004, following the resignation of AK Antony as Chief Minister due to Congress party's poor performance in Lok Sabha elections and factional politics, Chandy became his successor for a short duration (August 2004 to May 2006).

Chandy was the Opposition leader in the 12th Kerala Legislative Assembly. Under his leadership, UDF marked victories in the Lok Sabha Election 2009, gaining 16 out of 20 parliament constituencies in Kerala, and the Local Body Election in 2010. In the history of Kerala politics, it's the first time that the UDF got an upper hand in local body elections.

Chandy secured a slender margin in the 2011 assembly election and became the Chief Minister for the second time. Congress-led UDF candidates won in 72 seats against 68 for the LDF (Left Democratic Front).

 Meanwhile, the Kerala Government declared a holiday on Tuesday and will observe three days of state mourning in view of the demise of two time former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Bengaluru, early this morning.

In a message, Kerala Chief Secretary Dr V Venu said, "As a mark of respect to the departed soul, all State Government offices, educational institutions, including professional colleges, State Public Sector Undertakings, Statutory bodies, Autonomous institutions, and all institutions that are coming under the purview of the Negotiable Instruments Act, throughout the State, shall remain closed on Tuesday."

"Three days of state mourning will be observed throughout the State starting July 18, 2023. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings throughout the State during the period."

Narendra Modi mourns:

Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the death of the senior Indian politician and tweeted: " 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. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sorrowful hour. May his soul rest in peace."

Congress reaction:

The Congress said: "Deeply saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM and esteemed Congress leader, Oommen Chandy. A stalwart in politics, his contributions to Kerala's progress and development will always be remembered. A true statesman, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Congress Party's Kerala unit posted: "Extremely sad to bid farewell to our most beloved leader and former CM Shri. Oommen Chandy. One of the most popular and dynamic leaders of Kerala, Chandy sir was loved across generations and sections of the population. The Congress family will miss his leadership and energy."