Kerala Mourns the Loss of Veteran Communist Leader V.S. Achuthanandan at 101

V.S. Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala's political landscape and one of the last surviving founders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Monday, 21 July, 2025 at the age of 101. The veteran leader, who served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011, had been admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on June 23 following a cardiac arrest and complications related to age. He had remained under critical care and on ventilator support until his death.

Achuthanandan, known for his fierce commitment to Marxist ideology and the rights of the disadvantaged, had long been an iconic figure in Kerala’s public life. His political journey stretched over several decades, beginning as a freedom fighter and culminating in becoming the 11th Chief Minister of the state. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2006 and played a key role in the CPI(M)'s victories in various state elections.

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Born in Punnapra, Alappuzha district, on October 20, 1923, Achuthanandan rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of the Left movement in India. He was a seven-time MLA and served as CPI(M)'s Kerala state secretary between 1980 and 1992.

After suffering a stroke in October 2019, he withdrew from public life, spending his later years with his family in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2021, he formally stepped down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, marking the end of an era in Kerala politics.

Following his passing, tributes poured in from political leaders across party lines. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had often shared a complicated relationship with Achuthanandan, expressed deep sorrow. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vijayan wrote:

“As a comrade and a resolute fighter of the people, Comrade VS, as he was fondly known, stands tall as a doyen of Marxist ideology, unyielding in his fight against the exploitative capitalist order… A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence has come to an end.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his respects, recalling their past interactions:

“Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri VS 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.”

The Kerala government has declared a three-day mourning period, lasting till July 24. As a mark of respect, all government offices, educational institutions, and public sector undertakings will remain closed on Tuesday. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all state government buildings during the mourning period.

Achuthanandan’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian politics. A man known for his firm principles, populist stances, and unrelenting criticism of corruption and nepotism—sometimes even within his own party—he leaves behind a legacy of fearless leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice. [Rh/Eth/VP]

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