V.S. Achuthanandan, Former Kerala CM, Dies at 101
V.S. Achuthanandan, senior CPI(M) leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away at the age of 101. He had been admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram following a cardiac arrest on June 23 and remained under intensive care for nearly a month.
Lifelong Advocate of People’s Rights
Achuthanandan was born in October 1923 in Alappuzha district. Rising from a background of poverty and working in a coir factory, he joined the communist movement at a young age and went on to become one of the founding members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1964. He was widely respected for his consistent stand against corruption, feudalism, and injustice.
Chief Minister at 82, Reformer at Heart
He served as the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011. Despite assuming office at the age of 82, he led several landmark initiatives, including anti-encroachment drives in Munnar and Kochi, crackdown on illegal lottery operations, and expansion of IT infrastructure in the state. He also pushed forward key projects such as the Vallarpadam terminal and modernisation of Technopark.
Withdrawn from Public Life Since 2019
Following a minor stroke in 2019, Achuthanandan gradually withdrew from active politics. He was later appointed as Chairman of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission before stepping down due to health issues. His death marks the end of an era in Kerala’s political history, particularly for the Left movement.
State Mourns a Revolutionary Leader
The Kerala government has announced full state honours for his funeral, with flags flown at half-mast and official mourning declared. His body will lie in state for public homage before being taken to his native place in Alappuzha for the final rites. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed deep sorrow at the passing of a leader known for his honesty, discipline, and commitment to public welfare.
