Thiruvananthapuram: Puthuppally MLA-elect Chandy Oommen on Monday dismissed the narrative that he was sidelined from the new Kerala Cabinet, asserting that his exclusion was a voluntary decision taken in advance.

The clarification came a day after Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan announced his ministerial team without Oommen’s name, ending weeks of speculation within Congress circles that he would be inducted following his victory in Puthuppally by a margin exceeding 50,000 votes.

Oommen, a bachelor known for his understated public image, had been widely expected to find a place in the Cabinet. Following the announcement, social media platforms were filled with debate over why he was left out.

Church expresses disappointment over exclusion

As the swearing-in celebrations of the new administration continued in the state capital, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church expressed formal disappointment over Oommen’s exclusion.

Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros Metropolitan, the Church’s media head, said the public had widely expected Oommen to be included in V D Satheesan’s Cabinet. He stated that Oommen’s name had figured in initial discussions but was dropped at the final moment for reasons that remain unclear.

The Church said the decision did not align with the wishes of the people of Puthuppally. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros Metropolitan remarked that while the Church has no personal grievance over a member of its community being dropped, there is a sense that the “public will failed” in this instance. He added that several members of the public had approached the Church asking why a leader they considered qualified had been sidelined.

The Church also stressed that leadership should be based on merit and the recognition of those the public wishes to see in power.

“What is the point of positions if people hate you?” says Oommen

After the swearing-in of the new UDF government on Monday, Oommen reiterated that his absence from the Cabinet was not the result of rejection.

Following a visit to senior Congress leader A K Antony, he said his decision was voluntary and made earlier. “What is the point of positions if people hate you?” Oommen said, adding that the view was one often expressed by his late father, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

He told reporters he prefers to be called “Kerala’s son” rather than hold any ministerial position and said he bore no resentment over the final Cabinet list.

Oommen appeared visibly moved while referring to slogans raised in his father’s name during the swearing-in ceremony, describing them as a sign of his enduring legacy.

He added that he plans to expand the Oommen Chandy Foundation across Kerala, with immediate priorities including a statewide anti-drug campaign and efforts to ensure public grievances reach the government.