When Chandy `forgave' CPM workers who pelted stones at him

It was 2013, and Kerala was in the grip of political instability as a result of the solar scam allegations.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) government, led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, had no choice but to defend itself against state-wide protests organised by opposition parties, particularly the Left Front, over the Solar Scam. The LDF campaign turned violent in Kannur, with demonstrators pelting stones at Oommen Chandy, who suffered minor injuries on his forehead. The assault happened while Chandy was attending an event under police protection. 

LDF workers blocked the CM's convoy and hurled stones at the car carrying Chandy. Chandy was hurt by the glass shards from his car's window after it was hit by stones. Despite receiving an injury above his right eye, Chandy attended the ceremony. 

His persistent commitment and calm response that he was "willing to forget and forgive instances" if communists decided to part with their violent politics benefited the UDF. As a result of CPM's aggressive response, Chandy's calm response came around like a boomerang. Then, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala maintained a firm stance, refusing to enable its sentimental workers to retaliate against the Communists. That sense of fortitude worked to the benefit of all parties concerned, preventing bloodshed. 

Despite claims of a conspiracy behind the security lapses and a resulting squabble between the Congress 'A' and 'I' groups, Chandy showed his maturity as a politician by averting conflicts and uniting all of his allies by contending that it was on his order that police chose not to take action against CPM workers who blocked the roads. He benefited from the political "tactics," as we may call them, and the public instantly began to view him kindly. 

Fast forward to March 2023, a Sessions Court in Kannur held three guilty in the incidents. It is therefore difficult to argue if it aided Chandy in salvaging his government in 2013. The experience did, however, highlight what set Chandy apart from other politicians in the past, present, and possibly future.