Chandy Oommen, son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, visited senior Congress leader AK Antony at his residence along with his mother Mariamma Oommen and sister Maria Oommen, amid reports of discontent over his exclusion from the UDF cabinet.

The visit came shortly after the new UDF government took office, with Chandy Oommen being left out of the ministerial lineup despite strong expectations. AK Antony had reportedly recommended Chandy Oommen’s inclusion to the Congress high command, but he was unexpectedly dropped at the last moment.

During the oath-taking ceremony at Central Stadium, Chandy Oommen made a notable entry by walking from his residence in Jagathy with a group of Congress workers and friends, a scene that drew comparisons to Mohanlal’s character Stephen Nedumpally from the movie Lucifer. He explained that the walk was inspired by the memory of his father, who had taken oath as Chief Minister on the same date 15 years ago.

Chandy Oommen and his family skipped the VIP treatment at the ceremony and entered through the general public gate. The absence of Mariamma Oommen and Maria Oommen from the ceremony was widely speculated as a sign of protest, though Maria later clarified there was no particular reason.

Speaking to the media after meeting AK Antony, Chandy Oommen described it as a love visit and downplayed any resentment over not getting a ministerial position. He said he considers himself fortunate to have the love of the people of Kerala, which he called the greatest position anyone can hold. He reiterated his commitment to working among the people and expanding the Oommen Chandy Foundation’s activities across the state, including a major anti-drug campaign.

The meeting between the Oommen Chandy family and AK Antony has sparked fresh political discussions within Congress circles.