Chandy Oommen, son of late former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, recently took oath as MLA after winning the Puthuppally by-election. He arrived at the Kerala Assembly riding an electric bicycle — the same cycle he used throughout his election campaign.

The hybrid electric bicycle, priced at around ₹65,000, features a 21-speed gear system, LED display, dual disc brakes, front suspension, LED headlight, and a walking assist mode. Manufactured by NFBI, it can be pedaled manually or powered by a motor.

While Chandy claimed he rode the bicycle to save petrol, critics were quick to point out the irony — nearly 100 supporters on motorcycles accompanied him, defeating the very purpose of fuel conservation.

The criticism goes deeper. Opponents accuse Chandy Oommen of turning his father’s legacy into a theatrical performance. He has been seen visiting his father’s grave with media crews in tow, weeping publicly. Many argue that genuine grief does not require an audience or cameras.

Sarcastic remarks have also been directed at his claim of 26 years of service to the Congress party. At 40 years old, that would mean he started working for the party at age 14 — a timeline that invites ridicule rather than respect.

His actions — from the cycle spectacle to the grave-side drama — are increasingly viewed as desperate pleas for attention and power. Critics say he is leveraging his father’s name to demand a ministerial position, and warn that such behavior is embarrassing not just for the Congress party but for Kerala as a whole.

There is also growing speculation that Chandy Oommen may eventually switch to the BJP, given his ideological leanings and style of politics reminiscent of performative leaders from other parties.