A Stalwart of Kerala Politics Passes Away
On July 21, 2025, Kerala bid farewell to one of its most iconic political figures, V.S. Achuthanandan, who passed away at the age of 101 in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) leader and former Chief Minister succumbed to complications following a cardiac arrest he suffered on June 23, 2025. His death marks the end of an era for Kerala’s political landscape, where he was celebrated as a relentless champion of social justice and grassroots activism.
A Life Dedicated to the People
Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, fondly known as "VS," was born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, Alappuzha. As the last surviving founding member of the CPI(M), established in 1964 after the split in the Communist Party of India, Achuthanandan’s life was intertwined with Kerala’s modern history. His political journey began at the age of 16, and over the decades, he became a symbol of resistance against injustice, earning the title of "People’s Comrade."
Achuthanandan served as Kerala’s Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at 82. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives, including the demolition drive in Munnar to reclaim illegally occupied land and his vocal advocacy for environmental and social causes, such as the Endosulfan victims and the Kudankulam protests. He also held the record as the longest-serving Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, a role where he redefined political activism with his uncompromising stance.
Tributes Pour In from Across the Spectrum
Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded in from leaders across political lines. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited Achuthanandan in the hospital and later paid his last respects, described him as a “proletarian leader of extraordinary willpower” whose life was a significant chapter in Kerala’s history. Vijayan highlighted Achuthanandan’s unwavering commitment to the communist movement and his contributions as Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission from 2016 to 2021.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan remembered Achuthanandan as a transformative figure who reshaped opposition politics, while Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called him “the last of the idealists in communist politics.” RMP leader K.K. Rema shared an emotional tribute, describing VS as a beacon of hope during her darkest times. Even political opponents, like Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty, acknowledged his warmth and camaraderie despite his fierce ideological battles.
A Legacy of Wit and Defiance
Achuthanandan was known for his sharp wit and fearless criticism, often targeting both allies and adversaries. His famous jibe likening Pinarayi Vijayan to Mikhail Gorbachev in 2009, during the SNC-Lavalin controversy, underscored his willingness to challenge even his own party’s leadership. He also famously retorted to Rahul Gandhi’s ageist remarks during the 2011 elections by calling him an “Amul Baby,” a quip that resonated widely with his supporters. These moments cemented his reputation as a leader who never shied away from speaking truth to power.
Kerala Mourns: Public Holiday and Three-Day Mourning
In honor of Achuthanandan’s contributions, the Kerala government declared a public holiday on July 22, 2025, for public sector institutions and banks. A three-day state mourning period was also announced, reflecting the profound impact of his loss. The bus strike planned for the same day was called off as a mark of respect. Achuthanandan’s mortal remains were brought to the CPI(M)’s AKG Study Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for public viewing, where hundreds of party workers and supporters gathered to pay their respects, raising slogans in his honor. His funeral is scheduled for July 23, 2025, in Alappuzha, with full state honors.
A Lasting Impact on Kerala’s History
From organizing agricultural workers in Kuttanad in 1943 to championing women’s rights in the Suryanelli case, Achuthanandan’s legacy is one of relentless activism. His leadership in the Munnar demolition drive and his advocacy for the marginalized made him a towering figure in Kerala’s social and political spheres. As Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, he produced 14 reports that shaped governance in the state, even in his late 90s.
As Kerala bids farewell to this revolutionary leader, his contributions to social justice, workers’ rights, and political integrity will continue to inspire generations.
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