Chandy Oommen, Puthuppally MLA, has decided not to accept a ministerial position in the new UDF government and instead continue working among the people. He made his stance clear after visiting senior Congress leader AK Antony following the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet.

He said the decision to decline a ministerial post was made earlier and he was only reiterating it now. Recalling his father Oommen Chandy’s famous words, he said: “What is the use of positions if the people reject you?” He emphasized that a place in people’s hearts matters more than any political office, and being called “Kerala’s son” is greater than any title.

Chandy Oommen announced plans to expand the Oommen Chandy Foundation’s activities across Kerala from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. The foundation will lead a state-wide anti-drug movement and work directly on people’s issues, bringing them to the government’s attention.

AK Antony warmly received Chandy Oommen at his residence and recalled his long-standing family bonds with the late Oommen Chandy. Antony remembered the support the Oommen Chandy family gave him during his wedding at age 44 and the church where the wedding took place. The visit was arranged at the request of Chandy Oommen’s mother.