Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute To Oommen Chandy In Puthuppally, Says 'RSS, CPM Have No Feelings For People'
Describing Oommen Chandy as a leader deeply committed to public welfare and service, Rahul Gandhi emphasised that true political connection comes from empathy and humility.
Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi paid heartfelt tribute to late Congress veteran and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at the Smriti Sangamam held at St George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally, Kottayam on Thursday. Floral tributes were offered at Chandy’s memorial as party leaders, supporters and locals gathered to honour the legacy of the revered leader.
Describing Chandy as a leader deeply committed to public welfare and service, Gandhi lauded his humility and sincerity. "His legacy continues to guide our path towards humility, sincerity and public service," the Congress party said in a statement.
RSS, CPM Don't Have Feelings For People: Rahul Gandhi
In a pointed critique of both the RSS and Communist Party of India (Marxist), Gandhi said: "...I fight the RSS and Communist Party of India (Marxist) ideologically and I fight them in the realm of ideas...My biggest complaint with them is that they don't have feelings for people."
"You can give whatever speeches, if you don't feel for people, you are not ready to connect and hug people, you will not be a leader," he said.
#WATCH | Kottayam, Kerala | Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says, "...I fight the RSS and Communist Party of India (Marxist) ideologically and I fight them in the realm of ideas...My biggest complaint with them is that they don't have feelings for people. You can give… pic.twitter.com/MgqK6vT6yX
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025
People Want Empathy, Says Rahul Gandhi In Kerala
Addressing the memorial meeting, Gandhi reflected on his political journey and shared insights into what he believes sets true leadership apart. "Since I entered politics in 2004, I’ve met different types of politicians—some articulate, some intellectual, some with very smart ideas. But soon after, I realised that people are not interested in how well a politician speaks or how well he thinks about something. Because before you speak or think about something, you have to feel it. And I discovered that what people actually want from politicians is their ability to feel for them."
He emphasised that true political connection comes from empathy and humility. "When you see a farmer, do you see him just as a farmer or as a human being? Do you feel his fear that it might not rain? Do you feel how worried he is for his children when he goes to sleep?," he said.
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