Kerala and India mourn V.S. Achuthanandan—a veteran CPI(M) leader and former CM—who passed away at 101, leaving a legacy of social justice and unwavering integrity.
🇮🇳 A towering legacy fades
V.S. Achuthanandan, the indomitable veteran of Kerala’s Left movement, passed away at the age of 101 on July 21, 2025, in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after battling cardiac arrest and prolonged illness The Federal+14The Economic Times+14The Economic Times+14Daijiworld.
Often referred to affectionately as “Comrade VS”, he began his political journey during the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising in 1946 and remained active through India’s freedom struggle, Kerala’s formative years, and decades of leftist politics @mathrubhumi+8The Economic Times+8Hindustan Times+8.
🧭 From coir-worker to Chief Minister
- Born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, Alappuzha, into a poor family, Achuthanandan lost his parents young and joined the coir factory, where he was drawn into the Communist movement Deshabhimani+1The Economic Times+1.
- Joined CPI in 1940; became a founding member of CPI(M) in 1964 Hindustan Times+3The Economic Times+3mint+3.
- Elected MLA seven times; served three terms as Leader of the Opposition and was Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, becoming Kerala’s oldest CM at age 82 Hindustan Times+13mint+13Deshabhimani+13.
💼 A career defined by integrity and action
V.S. was famed for:
- Leading anti-corruption drives (e.g., lottery mafia, forest encroachments)
- Championing land reforms, progressive social programs, and environmental conservation (e.g., Plachimada protests) The Economic Times+3Daijiworld+3The Economic Times+3The Economic Times+2Wikipedia+2@mathrubhumi+2The Economic Times
- Initiating infrastructure projects: Vallarpadam terminal, Technopark in Kollam, and groundwork for Kochi Metro and Kannur airport Daijiworld+6The Economic Times+6@mathrubhumi+6
Despite occasional controversies—like a 2008 insensitivity remark post-26/11—Achuthanandan remained revered for his honesty and commitment to the powerless mint+13Daijiworld+13The Economic Times+13.
🏥 Final days & tributes pour in
Admitted to SUT Hospital after a cardiac event on June 23, he passed away at 3:20 pm on July 21 mint+11The Economic Times+11Hindustan Times+11.
Dignitaries including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) leaders, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences—PM Modi remarked on VS’s lifelong public service and personal interactions during their Chief Minister tenures @mathrubhumi+6mint+6Hindustan Times+6.
Civil rights leaders and political figures across India, including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, and Andhra and Odisha chiefs, joined in mourning @mathrubhumi.
🕯️ Mourning and memorial arrangements
- Three-day state mourning declared in Kerala Onmanorama.
- Public homage at AKG Study Centre and procession to Alappuzha, where his cremation is scheduled for Wednesday Daijiworld+3Hindustan Times+3Onmanorama+3.
✨ A beacon for future generations
Through his unwavering vision—initially rigid, later tempered by empathy—VS became a rare figure in Indian communism: both ideological and accessible. He was known for his fiery oratory, principled stands, and transformation into an enduring people’s leader Deshabhimani+2The Federal+2Hindustan Times+2.
His influence transcends Kerala. As CPI(M) veteran and former Kerala CM, he reshaped governance and championed workers’ rights, environmental justice, and social equity.
📝 Summary Table
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | Oct 20, 1923 in Punnapra, Alappuzha |
| Political Career | Joined CPI at 17; founding CPI(M) leader in 1964 |
| MLA | 7 terms; Leader of Opposition (3x) |
| Chief Minister | 2006–2011 (oldest in Kerala’s history) |
| Signature Initiatives | Land reforms, infrastructure projects, anti-corruption drives |
| Date of Passing | Jul 21, 2025 at age 101 |
| Funeral | Public tributes in Trivandrum; cremation in Alappuzha mid-week |
| Legacy | Icon of principled communism, voice of the marginalized |
🔍 Final thoughts
V.S. Achuthanandan’s passing closes a remarkable chapter in Indian political history. From humble roots to shaping Kerala’s governance, he left an indelible mark on social justice, anti-corruption, and grassroots participation.
As Kerala and India mourn, his life stands testament to the power of consistent principle, humility, and action. Kerala may have lost a legendary leader, but Comrade VS remains a guiding light for generations to come.
