Thu Jul 17 16:09:48 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for publication:

**Rahul Gandhi to Headline Oommen Chandy Memorial Event, Boost Congress Ahead of Elections**

**Kottayam, July 17, 2025** – Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived at Cochin airport on Thursday and is set to inaugurate a public meeting in Puthuppally tomorrow commemorating the second death anniversary of former Kerala Chief Minister and Congress stalwart, Oommen Chandy.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has orchestrated a large-scale event, anticipating a significant turnout of party members and supporters. The event is seen as a critical opportunity to galvanize the party base in advance of upcoming local body elections later this year and the crucial Assembly elections next year. KPCC President Sunny Joseph will preside over the meeting.

During his visit, Mr. Gandhi will pay respects at the late leader’s tomb at St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally. He is also scheduled to hand over keys to eleven houses built by the Oommen Chandy Foundation to deserving beneficiaries. Furthermore, he will launch “Smrithi Tharangam,” a new KPCC charitable initiative created in memory of Oommen Chandy. The Meenadom Sports Turf, a sports arena developed as part of an anti-drug campaign, will also be inaugurated at the event. The venue is expected to accommodate 10,000 attendees.

Beyond the official event, the Manna Charitable Trust, led by Oommen Chandy’s daughter, Mariya Oommen, is organizing various programs and charity activities throughout July and August. These include free medical camps across all 14 districts of Kerala.

Political analysts believe Mr. Gandhi’s visit to Kottayam will provide a significant boost to Congress’s morale and electoral prospects in the region. The event is strategically planned to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the late Oommen Chandy and energize party workers ahead of critical election cycles.

**Summary of the Text:**

The text is a news report about Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kottayam to inaugurate a public meeting marking the second death anniversary of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The event is organized by the KPCC to mobilize party cadres before upcoming elections. Gandhi will also participate in charitable activities, including handing over keys to houses built by the Oommen Chandy Foundation and launching a new charitable initiative. The Manna Charitable Trust is also organizing various programs in memory of Chandy. The visit is expected to energize the party ahead of elections.

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