Tributes flooded in from leaders of all political affiliations, underlining the profound impact Achuthanandan had on Kerala and national politics
Published Jul 21, 2025 | 6:45 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 21, 2025 | 7:04 PM
VS Achuthanandan.
Synopsis: Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away at 101, marking the end of an era in Left politics. A symbol of Kerala’s social awakening, “VS” rose from humble beginnings to become the conscience of the communist movement. He died at SUT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, after weeks of treatment following a health decline
One of the last surviving titans of the Indian Left, former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on Monday, marking the end of an era in Kerala’s political and ideological history. He was 101.
Affectionately called “VS” by supporters and adversaries alike, Achuthanandan was more than a political figure. He was a symbol of Kerala’s social awakening — a fighter who rose from poverty and hardship to become the conscience of the Left movement in India. He breathed his last at 3:20 PM at SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had been under treatment since June 23 following a deterioration in health.
Born on October 20, 1923, in the coastal village of Punnapra in Alappuzha, Achuthanandan lost both parents by age 11 and had to drop out of school after Class VII. His early experiences of deprivation, while working in his brother’s tailoring shop and later in the Aspinwall Coir Factory, ignited in him a deep understanding of exploitation and inequality.
At just 16, he entered politics through the trade union movement, joining the State Congress in 1939 and switching to the Communist Party in 1940. His organizational skills were quickly recognized by senior leaders like P. Krishna Pillai, who entrusted him with the task of mobilizing agricultural laborers in Kuttanad — then a bastion of feudal oppression.
He played a defining role in the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, enduring multiple arrests and over five years in prison. He also spent nearly four and a half years underground, surviving torture and a near-death experience in custody.
In 1964, he was among the 32 leaders who walked out of the CPI National Council to form the CPI(M), a split that would redefine Indian Left politics. From there, his political ascent continued — CPI(M) State Secretary (1980–1992), LDF Convenor (1996–2000), Leader of the Opposition (1992–1996, 2001–2006, 2011–2016), and finally, Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011.
As Chief Minister, he was widely respected for taking on powerful interests — launching an unprecedented crackdown on land encroachments in Munnar, fighting corporate giants like Coca-Cola in Plachimada, and voicing strong opposition to communal and religious extremism.
VS’s political career was never free from controversy. His outspokenness, sharp tongue, and refusal to toe the party line often earned him both admiration and censure. Despite being sidelined at times within the CPI(M), he maintained massive public support and was seen as a moral compass by many.
His speeches — rustic, biting, and laced with sarcasm — were not only political ammunition but also cultural phenomena in Kerala, spawning countless parodies, memes, and impersonations that further cemented his place in public memory.
Even after a stroke in 2019 forced his retirement from public life, his influence loomed large. Until recently, he served as the Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission in Kerala.
Achuthanandan’s body was taken to the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for public homage on Monday evening. On Tuesday morning, it will be placed at the Durbar Hall in the Secretariat and then moved to Alappuzha, his hometown. On Wednesday, the final rites will be held at Valiya Chudukadu cremation ground after a public homage at the CPI(M) District Office.
The Kerala Government has declared a three-day state mourning from July 22 to 24. All government offices, educational institutions, and public sector bodies will remain closed on Tuesday, July 22, in tribute to the departed leader.
Tributes flooded in from leaders of all political affiliations, underlining the profound impact Achuthanandan had on Kerala and national politics.
CPI(M) Central Committee & Polit Bureau
In a statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau described him as “an outstanding leader of the communist movement, who symbolized courage, simplicity, and dedication.”
“In his death, the party and the communist movement have suffered a grievous loss,” the statement read. “VS will be remembered for his commitment to social justice, his tireless fight for the working class, and his fearless opposition to authoritarianism.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in an emotional statement, said:
“VS was not just a comrade, but a tradition — a brilliant, indomitable tradition of relentless struggle. He played a historic role in mobilising agricultural workers in Kuttanad, and his tireless fight against feudalism and communalism helped shape Kerala’s progressive political landscape.”
He added that VS was the last surviving member among the 32 leaders who formed CPI(M) in 1964, and his passing severs a historic link to that era.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
“A true grassroots leader, VS was steadfast in his ideals and will always be remembered for his contributions to Kerala’s development and political thought,” said the Governor.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan
“He gave a new face to opposition politics. As both CM and Opposition Leader, he was fearless, outspoken, and never driven by personal animosity. Kerala has lost a political phenomenon.”
Satheesan recalled how Achuthanandan stood with the opposition during the Coca-Cola protest in Plachimada and helped preserve public land that was being handed to private interests.
BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar
“An era of Communist politics in India ends with VS. Even as an ideological opponent, I respected his integrity and his stand against corruption and religious fundamentalism,” said Chandrasekhar, who had visited VS’s son recently to inquire about his health.
CPI Leader Binoy Viswam
Binoy Viswam hailed VS as “a revolutionary son of the working class,” adding:
“VS sharpened the agenda of Marxism by giving environmental struggles the place they deserve in the class struggle. His integrity, simplicity, and strength of will were unmatched.”
CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan
“Comrade VS is a struggle without pause. He was the pulse of mass resistance, a leader who could excite a society into action. His departure leaves a historic void.”
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal
“VS’s courage to speak his mind made him stand out. His bold stances, often at odds with his party, resonated with the public. Kerala’s political world has suffered an irreplaceable loss.”
KPCC President Sunny Joseph
“He was a statesman who rose from the coir industry to the Chief Minister’s chair. His contribution to Kerala’s public life and democratic institutions was immense.”
Kerala Speaker A.N. Shamseer
“His name is synonymous with resistance in Kerala. From his teenage years in the coir factory to being the face of public accountability, VS has been a singular figure in the state’s political journey.”
Actor Kamal Hassan
“V. S. Achuthanandan – a torchbearer for the neglected – now rests. Former Chief Minister of Kerala, a freedom fighter, and a Communist icon, he never stopped fighting for the forgotten. Kerala, and India, has lost a true people’s champion. Farewell, Comrade.”
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin
“Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan leaves behind a revolutionary legacy deeply etched in Kerala’s political conscience. A beloved mass leader, lifelong communist, and former Chief Minister, he embodied principled politics and the spirit of public service. My heartfelt condolences to his family, the @cpimspeak cadre, and the people of Kerala who mourn the loss of a true colossus. Hon’ble @regupathymla will be paying homage on behalf of myself and the people of Tamil Nadu to the great, iconic leader. Red salute.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“Saddened by the passing away of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan Ji. He dedicated many years of his life to public service and the progress of Kerala. I recall our interactions when we were both Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and supporters at this time of grief.”
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Though rooted in Marxist thought, Achuthanandan’s appeal transcended party lines. His campaigns — whether against corporate greed in Plachimada, land encroachments in Munnar, or corruption in high places — made him the rare politician who enjoyed support even from ideological opponents.
He was also deeply committed to environmental issues, women’s rights, and the rights of the marginalised. In his later years, he became an unlikely internet icon, with younger generations celebrating his legacy through memes and social media tributes.
V.S. Achuthanandan’s life is a lesson in perseverance, ideological commitment, and the power of principled resistance. His journey from a tailoring shop in Punnapra to the Chief Minister’s office is a tale of transformation — not just of an individual, but of an entire state.
Kerala bids farewell to its red crusader — a man who fought not just for power, but for justice, truth, and the dignity of the common man.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
