Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on July 21, 2025, at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 101 years old. Achuthanandan served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, before withdrawing from public life following a minor stroke in 2019. After this health setback, he lived with his son, V. Arun Kumar, in Thiruvananthapuram.
A prominent figure in the communist movement, Achuthanandan was a steadfast champion for various social causes, including environmental protection, gender equality, and workers’ rights. His legacy is marked by his passionate leadership as the Leader of the Opposition, where he consistently advocated for marginalized communities and critical issues such as transgender rights and fair pay for nurses.
Born in 1923 into a family of agricultural workers in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Achuthanandan faced considerable hardships in his early life, including the loss of his parents. He entered the political arena at 16, joining the anti-colonial movement and later engaging in labor organizing among indentured agricultural workers. His activism took a militant turn during the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar uprising against colonial rule, where he faced arrest and torture by authorities that left lasting scars.
Achuthanandan’s political journey was deeply influenced by the pioneering communist leader P. Krishna Pillai, whom Achuthanandan referred to as his “guru.” He often reflected on the struggles he faced, joking about times when he relied on temple priests for food, highlighting the difficult conditions of his youth. In 1964, he became a founding member of the breakaway Communist Party of India (Marxist), emphasizing his commitment to communist ideals even under the pressures of political imprisonment during the Emergency.
Despite his disciplined communist ideology, Achuthanandan was a figure of rebellion within his party. He served as the CPI(M) State Secretary and was expelled from the Polit Bureau in 2009 for challenging party directives. His independence continued as he defied the party line to express solidarity with families of dissenters, showcasing a complex relationship with party leadership.
Known for his powerful oratory, Achuthanandan captivated audiences with his unique style, blending rural charm with incisive humor and sharp criticism. As noted by CPI(M) leader and dramatist Pirappancode Murali on his 100th birthday, Achuthanandan represented a generation of communists who had lived through the politically charged eras of historical figures such as Stalin and Mao.
A candid rationalist and atheist, Achuthanandan frequently engaged with questions of faith. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he responded to a student’s inquiry about his favorite Hindu god with a thoughtful reflection on the stories surrounding deities, acknowledging both curiosity and skepticism.
Achuthanandan is survived by his wife, K. Vasumathy, their daughter V.V. Asha, son V. A. Arun Kumar, and grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era in Kerala politics, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to inspire discussions on social equity, political integrity, and the fervent pursuit of justice.
Published on July 21, 2025.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/vs-2-vs-achuthanandan-former-kerala-cm-and-icon-of-communist-movement-passes-away/article69744002.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-07-21 16:14:00
