THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — V.S. Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Indian left-wing politics and a founding leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Monday at the age of 101. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Kerala’s political history.
The CPI(M) confirmed the veteran leader’s death in a statement, noting that Achuthanandan had been under critical care at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram since last month after suffering a cardiac arrest. His condition had remained serious in recent weeks, despite intensive medical intervention.
Earlier on Monday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, and CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan visited the hospital to assess the veteran leader’s condition. Within hours, the news of his passing triggered a wave of grief across the political spectrum.
Condolences from Across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri V.S. Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour.”
Condolences also poured in from opposition leaders, former chief ministers, party workers, and citizens, many of whom saw Achuthanandan not only as a political figure but as a symbol of principled governance and unwavering commitment to people’s rights.
A Lifelong Marxist and People’s Leader
Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, born on October 20, 1923, in Alappuzha district, was a rare blend of ideological conviction and administrative capability. Orphaned at a young age, he began his working life as a tailor before joining the state’s burgeoning labour movement in the 1940s.
A member of the original CPI(M) politburo formed after the party’s split from the CPI in 1964, Achuthanandan played a central role in shaping the left narrative in Kerala. He was widely respected for his grassroots activism, especially his fierce campaigns against land encroachments and corruption.
After decades in public life, he was sworn in as Kerala’s 11th Chief Minister in 2006, leading a CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government until 2011. His tenure was marked by notable initiatives in education, anti-corruption drives, environmental protection, and land reform. Despite being sidelined at various points by his own party, he remained one of its most recognisable and respected faces.
Legacy of Integrity and Public Service
Achuthanandan stood out for his incorruptibility, spartan lifestyle, and fierce independence—even within his party. He was seen as a leader who spoke for the common man, often willing to challenge both political opponents and internal party dynamics.
In 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission in Kerala, extending his public service even in his nineties. He formally stepped back from public life due to age-related health concerns in the years that followed.
His political legacy is intertwined with the rise of the Left in Kerala, and his passing leaves behind a void difficult to fill.
A State in Mourning
The Kerala government is expected to announce state honours and official funeral arrangements shortly. Thousands are expected to pay their final respects, both at party offices and during the public viewing in Thiruvananthapuram.
As Kerala mourns the death of one of its most influential leaders, V.S. Achuthanandan’s life serves as a reminder of how steadfast commitment to ideology, integrity, and public service can shape the destiny of generations.
