Thiruvananthapuram | Former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Communist stalwart V S Achuthanandan on his first death anniversary, describing him as a defining figure in Kerala's political history whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan said Achuthanandan was not merely an individual but the embodiment of an era in Kerala's political history, and that his memories remain "an enduring force that keeps Kerala's social conscience alive."
Recalling Achuthanandan's political journey from a young activist fighting for the rights of the oppressed to the state's chief minister, Vijayan said his life mirrored the struggles and resilience of Kerala's working class.
He said Achuthanandan endured brutal police assaults, long spells of imprisonment and years in hiding during struggles against imperialism and feudalism, experiences that only strengthened his commitment to Communist ideals.
Vijayan also recalled Achuthanandan's role as one of the 32 leaders who walked out of the National Council of the undivided Communist Party in 1964 to form the CPI(M), saying he played a crucial role in safeguarding the party's ideological foundations for decades.
Describing him as a staunch advocate of secular Kerala, Vijayan said Achuthanandan's uncompromising interventions both inside the Assembly and on the streets on issues affecting the people had become part of the state's political history.
He said the veteran leader remained vigilant in protecting public assets and environmental resources, including forests and wetlands, and that his interventions were aimed at safeguarding the interests of future generations.
Vijayan further said Achuthanandan set enduring standards while holding constitutional positions and that, as Leader of the Opposition, his relentless campaigns often compelled governments to correct their course.
As chief minister, he successfully steered Kerala by balancing comprehensive development with public welfare, Vijayan said.
Stating that Achuthanandan overcame the limitations of age through his determination and tireless commitment, Vijayan said his life would remain a glorious chapter not only in the history of the Communist movement but also in the making of modern Kerala.
"The ideals he upheld and the struggles he led will never die," Vijayan said, paying homage to the late leader's "immortal memories".
One of India's most respected Communist leaders and a towering figure in Kerala politics, Achuthanandan died on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101, bringing to an end a political career spanning over eight decades.
