Chandy Oommen, the son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and a popular two-time MLA from Puthuppally, was excluded from the UDF ministry despite expectations. The decision has raised questions about the criteria being followed in the selection of ministers in the new government.

Chandy Oommen had won with a record majority in the 2021 elections and was widely seen as a model MLA who focused on constituency service rather than self-promotion. His election campaign was notable for having no flexes, banners, or extravagant displays, saving lakhs of rupees. Despite this, he was overlooked for a cabinet position while others with strong group affiliations were accommodated.

His exclusion is widely attributed to the fact that he does not belong to any powerful group within the Kerala Congress. Unlike many of his colleagues, Chandy Oommen does not have the backing of a faction leader to advocate for his inclusion. Oommen Chandy, who was the tallest leader of the party, never promoted his son during his lifetime — a testament to his integrity.

In stark contrast, K.A. Thulasi, the wife of Sreekandan, who entered electoral politics and won in the same wave, was given a ministerial position. This has led to criticism that group considerations and personal connections outweighed merit and public popularity in the cabinet formation.

Supporters argue that Chandy Oommen would have brought a unique style of governance — accessible, humble, and people-centric. Having witnessed his father’s decades of public service up close, including how Oommen Chandy personally followed up on cancer patients’ treatments without any publicity, Chandy Oommen understands the essence of genuine public service.

His absence from the cabinet means the common person has lost a potential channel for accessible grievance redressal at the highest levels. The decision effectively sidelines a leader who had the potential to redefine the standard of public representation in Kerala.