Former Kerala chief minister and veteran Congress leader Oommen Chandy passed away aged 79, his son announced on Tuesday, July 18. He died at 4.25 am at Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Bengaluru’s Indira Nagar. Oommen Chandy, who was battling cancer, had been staying at the residence of former Karnataka minister TJohn in connection with his treatment. He was under treatment of doctors at the HCG Cancer Hospital in the city.

It is learned that early on Tuesday he developed health difficulties, including shivering and low blood pressure. Following this, he was taken to the nearby Chinmaya Hospital, where he breathed his last.

Following the news of his demise, senior Congress leaders who are in Bengaluru for the opposition meet, including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, will visit the hospital. Congress leaders from Kerala including Benny Behanan and KC Joseph as well as Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty have proceeded to the hospital.

The leader's funeral will be held at his native town of Puthupally in Kerala’s Kottayam.