Former Kerala CM and Communist Icon VS Achuthanandan Passes Away at 101: A Life Lived for the People
The sun has set on a political era in Kerala as Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, one of India’s tallest Communist leaders and a former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away at the age of 101. His death marks the end of a century-long journey of tireless activism, unwavering integrity, and resolute service to the working class.
In this blog, we remember the life and legacy of VS Achuthanandan — a man who rose from poverty to become a symbol of resistance, honesty, and people-centric governance.
1. Early Life: From Orphanhood to Ideological Awakening
Born on 20 October 1923 in Alappuzha district, VS Achuthanandan lost his parents at a young age. He had to discontinue his formal education in Class VII due to financial constraints and began working in a tailoring shop to support himself.
But poverty did not dull his spirit. Instead, it awakened his political consciousness. As a teenager, he came into contact with the trade union movement and was drawn to leftist ideology. His participation in the freedom struggle and the fight for workers’ rights laid the foundation of a lifelong commitment to the Communist movement.
2. Entry into Politics: A Revolutionary’s Journey
Achuthanandan joined the CPI (Communist Party of India) in the early 1940s. His role in organizing agricultural laborers, coir workers, and toddy tappers in Kerala made him a formidable force in grassroots mobilization.
He was jailed multiple times for participating in anti-imperialist struggles and workers’ agitations. During the 1940s and 50s, when the Communist Party was banned, VS operated underground — organizing peasants and resisting feudal landlords.
In 1964, during the split in the Communist Party, he became one of the founding members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — CPI(M).
3. Political Rise: From Trade Unionist to Chief Minister
VS Achuthanandan’s political rise was slow but steady. He held numerous organizational posts in the CPI(M):
- State Secretary of CPI(M), Kerala
- Member of the Politburo for more than three decades
- Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly (1992–1996, 2001–2006)
Despite being sidelined occasionally within the party, his popularity among the masses only grew. His image as a clean, incorruptible, and fearless leader made him one of the most respected politicians in Kerala.
In 2006, at the age of 82, he became the Chief Minister of Kerala — the oldest first-time CM in Indian history.
4. The Chief Ministership (2006–2011): Governance with a People’s Heart
VS Achuthanandan’s five-year term as CM was pro-people, reform-oriented, and bold. Despite health and age, he functioned with remarkable clarity and commitment.
Key Highlights of His Tenure:
a. Munnar Eviction Drive
He launched a historic eviction drive in Munnar, targeting illegal land encroachments by resorts and businesses. Though controversial, it reflected his strong will to uphold environmental and legal integrity.
b. Fight Against Corruption
He initiated action against several corrupt officials and politicians. Most notably, he spearheaded the legal fight against former minister R. Balakrishna Pillai, who was later convicted.
c. Smart City Project
Under his leadership, Kerala moved ahead with the Smart City IT project in Kochi, paving the way for IT growth in the state.
d. Anti-Piracy and Cyber Laws
He led campaigns against video piracy and cybercrimes — one of the first Indian CMs to recognize the importance of digital governance.
5. Simplicity and Integrity: A Leader Like No Other
VS Achuthanandan lived austere and simple life. He never misused his position. As CM, he continued to reside in the official CM’s residence without any extravagant changes.
He travelled economy class, rejected unnecessary VIP culture, and refused to use red beacons or sirens. His commitment to clean politics was not just rhetoric — it was his lifestyle.
Even his political rivals respected him for his honesty. His life stood in stark contrast to the corruption and opulence associated with many leaders today.
6. Ideological Rigidity and Internal Conflicts
Though deeply respected, VS was also known for his strong ideological positions, which often led to tensions within his own party.
He openly criticized:
- The party’s soft stance on corruption
- Lavish lifestyles of certain leaders
- Injustice to poor in land-related issues
Due to these reasons, he was removed from the CPI(M) Politburo in 2009, though he continued as a central committee member.
Many believed he was marginalized for being too upright, but his massive public support made it impossible to silence him.
7. Later Years and Retirement
In 2016, at the age of 93, VS won the Malampuzha seat in the Kerala Assembly — defeating his rival by a record margin. However, the party decided not to make him CM again, citing age.
He was appointed Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission — a largely ceremonial role. By 2018, he withdrew from active politics due to health reasons.
In 2021, he was admitted to a hospital due to age-related ailments and remained mostly bedridden since.
8. Death of a Legend: The End of a Political Century
On 22 July 2025, VS Achuthanandan breathed his last at the age of 101. His death was announced by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who called him:
“A titan of Indian politics, a true Communist, and a fighter for the poor.”
His body was kept for public homage in the state capital, and a state funeral with full honors was organized.
Thousands poured in — from all political parties, trade unions, students, and ordinary citizens — to pay their final respects.
9. Reactions from Across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“Saddened by the demise of Shri VS Achuthanandan ji. His commitment to social justice and integrity will inspire generations.”
Rahul Gandhi:
“He was a towering figure in Indian politics. My heartfelt condolences to his family and comrades.”
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury:
“Comrade VS was a pillar of our party. His entire life was an example of principled politics.”
10. VS Achuthanandan’s Legacy
What makes VS Achuthanandan’s life so memorable?
a. A Voice for the Voiceless
He consistently raised issues affecting:
- Farmers and agricultural workers
- Dalits and backward communities
- Environmental concerns
- Corruption in governance
b. Symbol of Clean Politics
In an age of scams and deals, VS remained untouched by corruption. He leaves behind a legacy of ethical leadership.
c. A Century of Struggle
His political life spans from colonial India to digital India. He fought feudalism, capitalism, and corruption across generations.
d. An Inspiration
He showed the world that old age is not a barrier to public service. Even at 90+, he was an elected legislator, working for the people.
Conclusion: A Life That Will Echo Through Generations
VS Achuthanandan was not just a politician. He was a movement, a moral compass, and a living history book of modern Kerala. His death is not the end of a life — it’s the immortalization of an ideal.
As Kerala and the nation bid farewell to this century-old warrior, we are reminded that such lives don’t die. They become legacies, guiding future generations to speak truth, fight injustice, and walk the path of integrity.
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