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Manu Kumar | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Manu Kumar | Photo: Mathrubhumi

Changanassery (Kottayam): Thrikkodithanam native Manu Kumar first met Congress leader Oommen Chandy to request for a compassionate appointment. Though he didn't get the job, Manu slowly became a fan of the former chief minister and later entered into politics. Now his room's wall is full of photos of Oommen Chandy as proof of his deep admiration.

Manu first visited Oommen Chandy as per his mother's request to seek compassionate appointment in government service after his father's death. As he tried for the job in a management college, it was not allowed. Compassionate appointment was allowed in such institutions only after 2019. By the time, Manu got job in another private company.

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There were hundreds of people at Oommen Chandy's house when Manu visited. Everyone arrived seeking solutions to their problems. Since then, it turned out to be a habit for Manu to visit Oommen Chandy's house every Sunday just to watch him. Usually, he wakes up at 10 only, but on Sunday he gets up early to go to Puthuppally.

Manu befriended the Congress workers he met there slowly and started being active in Youth Congress. After seeing him regularly, Oommen Chandy also recognised him. Manu follows him to every programme venue and waits till it ends. He drives to attend upto five programmes a day.

When Manu invited him for his sister's wedding, Oommen Chandy deviated his route and attended the ceremony amid tight schedule. After Manu became a Youth Congress office-bearer, he could develop a close relation with the leader. Now whenever Oommen Chandy comes to Changanassery railway station, he calls Manu. He will be present there in a moment to meet his beloved leader.