Leaders cutting across political affiliations are expected to arrive at the Secretariat to offer their tributes.
Published Jul 22, 2025 | 9:50 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2025 | 10:53 AM
Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer paying last respects to VS Achuthanandan.
Synopsis: The Kerala government has made elaborate arrangements at the Durbar Hall of the Secretariat to allow the public to pay their last respects to veteran Communist leader and former chief minister VS Achuthanandan.
The Kerala government has made elaborate arrangements at the Durbar Hall of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, 22 July, to allow the public to pay their last respects to veteran Communist leader and former chief minister VS Achuthanandan.
The mortal remains of the late leader were brought to the Durbar Hall at 9 am, where a steady stream of mourners is expected. Officials have ensured tight security and crowd management measures to facilitate a smooth farewell.
VS, a towering figure in Kerala politics and one of the founding members of the CPI(M), passed away on Monday evening, leaving behind a lasting legacy of public service and unwavering commitment to Left ideology.
Leaders cutting across political affiliations are expected to arrive at the Secretariat to offer their tributes. Braving rain, people have lined up in front of the Secretariat to have one final look at VS.
Ahead of the function at the Secretariat, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the late leader’s home and then took stock of the preparations at Durbar Hall.
CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby, State Secretary MV Govindan, senior leader Annie Raja and other state ministers were present at the hall.
To facilitate the event, strict traffic and entry regulations have been announced. Only vehicles belonging to ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials will be allowed entry into the Secretariat premises.
All other vehicles, including those of Secretariat employees, must be parked at the Central Stadium.
The public can access the Secretariat through the North Gate and the Treasury Gate to pay their last respects. They will be required to exit through the YMCA Gate after the tribute. Parking will be strictly prohibited within the Secretariat campus and on surrounding roads.
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the arrangements and maintain decorum during the homage.
The last of CPI(M)’s founding leaders will be laid to rest on Wednesday. His mortal remains will be kept at the recreation ground on the Alappuzha beach from 11 am on Wednesday for public homage.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held on Monday night at the District Collector’s Chamber under the chairmanship of Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian to review the arrangements related to the funeral rites. MLA PP Chittaranjan was also present at the meeting.
The mortal remains, which will be brought to Alappuzha from Thiruvananthapuram via National Highway 66 on Tuesday afternoon, will be taken to his residence in Alappuzha by 9 pm. The body will be kept for public viewing at his residence till 9 am on Wednesday and then at the CPI(M) District Committee office by 10 am.
After that, from 11 am to 3 pm, a special pandal has been set up at the recreation ground on the Alappuzha beach for public homage. After the public homage, the cremation will take place at Valiya Chudukadu with official ceremonies including state honours at around 4 pm.
As part of the preparation for public viewing, restrictions have been imposed on tourists on the beach, and traffic arrangements have been made in the city. Parking facilities for those coming for public homage have been provided under the flyover on the beach. Adequate police will also be deployed for security.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
