Kerala Congress leaders announced that the party would soon be launching a charitable mission in the name of late Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to help people across the country. The leaders recalling the contribution of the late leader spoke about the love he had for the people of Kerala.
On Tuesday, while addressing at the launch of a book -- 'Aardramanas' -- about party stalwart Chandy prepared by the KPCC, Congress leaders including AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, former Union Defence Minister and party veteran A K Antony, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly V D Satheesan recalled Chandy's concern for the people in Kerala, as reported by PTI.
The leaders said, "Chandy's work and his love for the people was seen in the farewell the public gave to him on his death."
Chandy is a pride of Congress forever, Venugopal said adding that the former CM's efforts had a positive impact on thousands of lives. He asserted that the party owed him which each member of Congress should pay back in their own manner.
In a brief address at the ceremony, Antony said he was still struggling to process the passing of Chandy, a close friend and confidant who passed away on July 18 in Bengaluru after a protracted illness.
On his friendship with the late Congressman, Antony claimed he was at a loss for words.
A programme of compassion and care for the people throughout the state, according to the former Union Minister of Defence, was the only way to repay Chandy for the job he did for the people and the party.
Satheesan said that Antony's idea had already been proposed by Venugopal, and that action was being taken to make it a reality.
He said the legal formalities are in the final stages with regard to setting up a charity mechanism in Chandy's name.
"After we hold discussions with his family, it will be put into operation within a month," the LoP said.