KOTTAYAM: On a day the state especially Kochi city cherished one of its long pending dreams of a metro rail project, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy- the man who built a strong base and structure for the project- was away from all the clamour.
While the entire state was in a jubilant mood to witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the project, Chandy was in his hometown, Kottayam, without any grievance he was not offered a seat at the venue even though he strove hard for its realisation. Though without any official programmes for the day, he was busy attending funerals and a few other programmes in the district.
Chandy arrived at Kottayam by Thiruvananthapuram- Hyderabad Sabari Express, by 10.30 am and spent most of the time at the funeral of former Knanaya Archbishop of Kottayam, Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry.
He went straight to the Christuraj Cathedral, and offered a wreath on the mortal remains of Mar Kunnacherry. Spending a few minutes there, he proceeded to the ‘sanchayanam’ of retired judge V U Lambodaran, at Karappuzha.
After attending funerals at Kaduthuruthi, Neerikkad and Eravinalloor, Chandy returned to Christuraj Cathedral by 2 pm and participated in the final services of Mar Kunnacherry and stayed at the church till the mortal remains were laid to rest by 5.30 pm.Far from all the celebrations, Chandy was among the people all day.