New Delhi | The CPI(M) on Monday expressed profound grief at the demise of former Kerala chief minister and veteran party leader V S Achuthanandan.
Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, passed away on Monday at the age of 101. The veteran leader died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.
The CPI(M) in a statement called Achuthanandan an outstanding leader and a veteran of the Communist movement.
“The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) dips its red banner in salute to V S Achuthanandan. It conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife, son and daughter," the CPI(M) said in the statement.
Fondly called VS, Achuthanandan was an able organiser who spearheaded various struggles in Kerala. His first brush with the trade union movement came when he organised the coir workers at the Aspinwall Company where he had started working, the CPI(M) said.
“In 1940, when he was just 17 years old, VS joined the Communist party. Krishna Pillai assigned him work among the agricultural workers in Kuttanad, who were subjected to terrible exploitation by the landlords.
“During the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising against the Diwan of Travancore, VS had to go underground. After being arrested, he was subjected to severe custodial torture,” the CPI(M) said.
VS was elected to the state committee of the united Communist party in 1956 and to its national council in 1958. He was the last of the 32 surviving members of the national council who left to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
He served as the secretary of the Kerala state committee of the CPI(M) from 1980 to 1991.
Achuthanandan was elected to the central committee of the party in 1964 and became a member of the Polit Bureau in 1985.
He was relieved from the central committee, of which he had become a special invitee, due to age in 2022.
Achuthanandan was elected to the Kerala Assembly for seven terms. He also served as the leader of opposition for two terms and was the chief minister from 2006 to 2011.
“His tenure as the chief minister was marked by several legislative and administrative measures for the welfare of the working people,” the CPI(M) said.
During his eight-and-a-half-decade long association with the party, Achuthanandan witnessed the steady growth of the Communist movement in Kerala.
“Known for his austere lifestyle and unwavering commitment to social justice, Achuthanandan left an indelible mark on Kerala politics. In his death, the party and the Communist movement have suffered a grievous loss,” the CPI(M) said.
Bhubaneswar | Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, state CPI(M) secretary Suresh Pujari and several politicians on Monday condoled the death of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan.
Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders, died at the age of 101.
He breathed his last in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest nearly a month ago.
He served as Kerala's chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state Assembly seven times.
Taking to X, Majhi said, "Saddened to hear about the demise of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan. Heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti."
"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan. He was a towering figure in Kerala politics and will be remembered for the grassroots connect and dedication to serve the people. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and followers in the hour of grief. #OmShanti," Patnaik said in a social media post.
The CPI(M) Odisha state committee, in an official statement, paid tribute to Achuthanandan, saying, "We pay our heartfelt tributes to his enduring legacy and offer our deepest condolences to his bereaved family."
State secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy added that, in line with the party politburo’s directive, the CPI(M) Odisha unit will observe three days of mourning, during which the party flag will be flown at half-mast.
Amaravati | Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday condoled the death of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader VS Achuthanandan.
Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.
"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of veteran communist leader and former chief minister of Kerala, VS Achuthanandan," Naidu said in a post on 'X'.
Describing Achuthanandan’s political journey as one that spanned over eight decades, Naidu said it reflected a steadfast commitment to his ideals and public service. "May his soul rest in peace," he added.
Similarly, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a statement, mourned Achuthanandan’s death, stating, "Kerala’s political sphere has lost a great leader."
Reddy said Achuthanandan’s courage, dedication, and love for the people would remain etched in their hearts. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the veteran Marxist leader’s family and admirers.
Hyderabad | Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday expressed deep grief over the demise of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan.
In a post on ‘X’, the Telangana CMO said Reddy recalled that Achuthanandan, who rose through the ranks from labour movements to become a prominent public figure, had rendered invaluable service to Kerala’s progress during his tenure as chief minister.
Offering prayers for the departed soul, Reddy extended his condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Achuthanandan, one of India’s most respected Communist leaders and a towering figure in Kerala’s political history, passed away, at the age of 101.
He died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.