Chandy Oommen, son of late Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, was announced as the UDF candidate for the Puthupally bypolls shortly after the Election Commission declared election in the constituency. THE WEEK had the opportunity to speak with Chandy Oommen, who currently leads the outreach cell of the Indian Youth Congress, during a brief car journey within the Puthupally constituency amidst his busy campaign schedule. The 37-year-old leader, who undertook a national padayatra during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, believes that the legacy and memories of Oommen Chandy will be the sole factors influencing the voting pattern in the upcoming polls, rather than the controversies. The young leader also acknowledges that there are high expectations placed on him due to being the son of Oommen Chandy. Excerpts from the interview:
The election campaign is in full swing, and several key issues are taking centre stage in this advanced phase of campaigning. On one side, there are prominent corruption allegations against leaders of the ruling CPI(M) and the LDF, while there are also counter-allegations against Congress leaders. Do you think these allegations and counter-allegations will have an impact when Puthupally goes to vote?
This election was called due to the unfortunate passing of my Appa (father). In this election, the focus will be on Appa's contributions to this land. It will highlight the help he provided to the ordinary people, the moments he stood with them, and the remarkable development he brought to Puthupally, making it a top-notch constituency. One notable achievement is that children born here have access to education from LKG to MTech, all within proximity to their homes. His commitment to ecological-friendly development is also noteworthy. This election will revolve around the compassion and development he delivered.
Appa was like a family member to everyone, and he knew each person by name. This spirit of familiarity and closeness will guide Puthupally in this election.
An old video of you discussing Oommen Chandy's patience has resurfaced recently. Since the beginning of your campaign, how much have you experienced and learned about the level of patience that your father embodied throughout his life?
My father was known for his unwavering calmness, a trait he maintained consistently throughout his life. This enduring calmness was a key factor in his success. It's an essential quality for any politician.
The constituency has a significant presence of both the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church, and their longstanding feud is well-known. Have there been discussions with these church factions during this campaign regarding this issue, and have any promises been made regarding the Church Bill?
The party leadership will answer about it. Everything related to that has to be decided by the leadership.
The LDF claims that this election will be a tight contest, unlike what the UDF expects as a one-sided victory. They suggest that the tide has turned and that the LDF might even secure victory in Puthuppally. How do you assess their campaign strategy?
We are primarily focused on our own campaign and our message to the voters.
When THE WEEK spoke to the LDF candidate, Jaick C. Thomas, he highlighted a significant challenge in Puthupally, which is the lack of access to drinking water. He pointed out that despite your father serving as the MLA for the constituency for five decades, many parts of the area still lack even basic infrastructure and drinking water facilities. If you win this election, what developmental model do you plan to present for Puthuppally?
My plans and actions will be revealed when the right time comes.
Do you have any specific projects or focus areas in mind for the constituency?
I will disclose everything at the appropriate time. Currently, I am engaging in conversations and dialogues with the people. I am actively listening to their concerns and opinions. It's important to note that just because someone, whether it's 'X' or 'Y,' expresses an opinion, it doesn't necessarily reflect the absolute truth. The election campaign is a time to connect with the people, and we're conducting family meetups and booth-level meetings where people express various viewpoints. This diversity of opinions is the reality of the situation.
When individuals express their political opinions, these can vary in accuracy. It's ultimately up to the people to confirm the validity of these opinions. My approach is rooted in studying and comprehending the issues, and based on that understanding, I will present a constructive and positive approach. We are not adopting a destructive approach; instead, we aim to contribute positively, similar to the difference between a student union member who can either disrupt or work constructively to address college issues. Such dual approaches exist in mainstream politics as well.
Our approach is entirely positive, and we welcome criticism, if any. However, we do not view anything as inherently critical. We will thoroughly examine every issue and take appropriate action when and where it is needed.
You were one of the national padayatris in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Did that experience prove valuable as you stepped into these busy days of election campaigning?
I have been traversing the length and breadth of this constituency and various parts of India for the past 23 years. So, I am well-acquainted with walking and the challenges it entails. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was particularly beneficial because it taught me that with determination, we can accomplish any task we set our minds to.
If you win this election, you are expected to step into the shoes of your father, which undoubtedly carries a significant responsibility. Do you feel the weight of these expectations on your shoulders?
Certainly, there are high expectations on me, but I don't believe I can ever fully replace my father. I had the privilege of working alongside him and learning from him up close. However, becoming a person of his caliber is no easy feat.
