Chandy Oommen, the newly elected MLA from Puthuppally, broke down emotionally as he addressed the media and his supporters, calling himself “an unfortunate son” who has been accused of trying to harm his own father’s legacy. Speaking before his journey to Thiruvananthapuram for the swearing-in ceremony, he pleaded with the media not to drag his name into the ministerial controversy.

He revealed that he had visited his father Oommen Chandy’s grave to seek blessings before departing. What was meant to be a private moment was turned into a public procession, which he said he could not accept. He demanded that all flex boards and welcome arrangements put up without his knowledge be removed immediately.

Chandy Oommen stated that for 26 years he has served the Congress party, 23 of those years without holding any official position. He said the greatest insult he has received is having his name dragged into the cabinet portfolio discussion. He emphasised that he has never attended any group meeting within the Congress, even when his father was Chief Minister, and has always aligned with Rahul Gandhi.

He recalled how his past statements were twisted by the media, citing an example from five years ago when a speech he made in Malappuram was portrayed as an attack on the Christian community. He also referenced the Solar scandal era, suggesting that the media gave disproportionate coverage to his critics while never correcting false allegations made against him.

When asked whether three senior Congress leaders abandoning his candidacy cost him the minister position, he maintained that he remains a Congressman first and foremost, and that he trusts the party leadership and Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan to make the right decisions under the prevailing pressures and constraints.

He clarified that his walk to the Central Stadium for the swearing-in was not a show of strength or a challenge, but simply a tribute to his father’s memory, as it was the same date 15 years ago when Oommen Chandy took oath as minister.