Thiruvananthapuram, October 31, 2025 – Kerala joined the nation in solemn remembrance of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the 41st anniversary of her assassination, with Congress leaders and workers organizing tributes that blended poignant reflection with calls for national unity. In a parallel event underscoring the state's political legacy, the portrait of beloved former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was unveiled at a memorial facility in Kottayam, evoking tears and applause from family, colleagues, and admirers alike. The dual observances highlighted themes of sacrifice, service, and enduring inspiration amid a day also marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The morning began with subdued yet heartfelt commemorations across the state, as the Indian National Congress (INC) faithful gathered to honor Gandhi, India's first and only female Prime Minister, who was gunned down by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, at her official residence in New Delhi. In the state capital, veteran Congress leader A.K. Antony led proceedings at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters at 10:00 am, where wreaths were laid at Gandhi's portrait amid chants of "Indira Amar Rahe" (Indira Lives Forever). The event doubled as a celebration of Patel's 150th birth anniversary, weaving in discussions on unity and federalism—core tenets of both leaders' legacies. Antony, in a brief address, reflected on Gandhi's "unwavering resolve during the Emergency and her pivotal role in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation," urging the youth to emulate her "fearless leadership in turbulent times."
Further north in Kozhikode, the District Congress Committee (DCC) office hosted a 9:00 am program organized by the Congress Seva Dal, inaugurated by DCC President K. Praveen Kumar. The highlight was a blood donation camp symbolizing Gandhi's ethos of selflessness, drawing over 100 donors despite intermittent rains. Kumar emphasized, "Indira ji's martyrdom was not just a loss to the Congress but to the idea of a strong, secular India. Today, as we observe her day alongside Patel's Ekta Diwas, we recommit to combating divisive forces." The initiative aligned with the KPCC's launch of its nationwide "The Idea of India" campaign, kicking off precisely on this date to spotlight Gandhi's contributions to social justice and economic reforms like bank nationalization.
Nationally, the tributes resonated deeply in Kerala, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi—Gandhi's grandson—leading emotional remembrances from Delhi. In a social media post, he described his grandmother as "India's Indira—fearless, resolute, and steadfast," crediting her for forging a resilient nation through crises like the 1975 Emergency and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots aftermath. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, another granddaughter, echoed this at Shakti Sthal, Gandhi's memorial, stating, "Her courage in the face of adversity inspires us to build bridges, not walls." These messages were amplified in Kerala through local screenings and discussions, reinforcing the Congress's narrative of Gandhi as a symbol of women's empowerment and minority rights—pertinent in a state with robust gender parity in politics.
As the day progressed, attention shifted to Kottayam for an emotional high point: the 2:30 pm unveiling of Oommen Chandy's portrait at the Mandiram Hospital Oommen Chandy Memorial Dialysis Center. The late Congress stalwart, who served as Kerala's Chief Minister twice (2011-2016 and 2021-2023) and as an MLA for 53 years, passed away in July 2023 from a cardiac arrest in Bengaluru. His son, Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen, pulled the ceremonial drape to reveal the lifelike oil painting, flanked by family members including wife Mariamma and grandchildren. The center, established in Chandy's memory to provide free dialysis to underprivileged patients, now bears his image as a perpetual reminder of his "common man's CM" persona—known for his tireless constituency work and crisis management during floods and pandemics.
Chandy Oommen, visibly moved, addressed the gathering of over 200, including KPCC chief K. Sudhakaran and Health Minister Veena George: "My father lived for Kerala’s people; this portrait isn't just art—it's a pledge to continue his unfinished work in healthcare and equity." Sudhakaran lauded Chandy as "the bridge between generations of Congress leaders," while George announced an expansion of the center's capacity by 50 beds, funded through state CSR initiatives. The event, though not in the legislative assembly as initially speculated, carried the weight of one, with Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan sending a video message hailing Chandy's "unyielding fight against corruption and communalism."
The day's events, occurring against the backdrop of Kerala's ongoing monsoon recovery and pre-election jockeying, served as a Congress morale booster. With the party eyeing a comeback in the 2026 assembly polls, these tributes underscored its historical icons while subtly critiquing the ruling LDF's governance. As Antony noted at the KPCC event, "Indira ji and Oommen Chandy taught us that true power lies in service, not seats." For now, Keralites reflect on legacies that continue to shape the state's resilient spirit.
This report is compiled from official announcements, eyewitness accounts, and party statements as of 4:00 pm IST on October 31, 2025.
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