Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that former Civil Supplies Minister T.M. Jacob was a champion of the cause of the common man.
Inaugurating the T.M. Jacob Memorial meeting that was organised by the Kerala Congress (Jacob) here on Sunday, Mr. Chandy said that Jacob will always be remembered for the instrumental efforts that were made for the supply of rice to the poor at Re. 1 a kg and also for successfully implementing the decision to issue ration cards to applicants within a day.
He also pointed out that Jacob had left his hallmark on all of the responsibilities he had handled. He has been adored by many for his performances in the roles of student leader, youth leader, legislator and an administrator. “An instance of his astute administration was during his tenure as the Minister for Education in the State Government, which had come into power in the year 1982. That the portfolio is among the most complex and difficult responsibilities in the state adds to Jacob’s credit,” said Mr. Chandy.
Delivering the remembrance message, Finance Minister K.M. Mani said that the virtues displayed by Jacob were ones that held much relevance in the present scenario when many from the younger generations enter the political field with an intention of vying for mere publicity.
“Jacob had always believed in delivering utmost dedication and wholehearted commitment to each one of his tasks,” he said.
Mr. Mani also admitted that while he has had many political tiffs with Jacob, a sense of amity and camaraderie had always existed in a personal level during all times.
He added that the affection shown towards Jacob by his supporters will be put to test during the upcoming Assembly by-election at the Piravom constituency.
Rural Development Minister K.C. Joseph said that Jacob’s disciplined approach and his habit of ensuring sufficient homework prior to embarking on any project will be missed by the legislators in the State.
Kerala Congress (Jacob) chairman Johnny Nellore presided over the meeting. Party general secretary Biju Mattapally, Kottayam Press Club president Joseph Sebastian and members of all major parties in the State participated in the function.
