Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, the stalwart of India’s Left politics and a revered figure in Kerala’s public life, passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101, marking the end of an era. Fondly known as VS, he was not only a former Chief Minister of Kerala but also one of the last remaining links to the founding generation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
In tribute to his towering legacy, the Kerala government declared a public holiday on July 22, closing all state government offices, educational institutions (including professional colleges), public sector units, statutory bodies, and other state-controlled entities.
A Life Rooted in Struggle
Born on October 20, 1923, in Alappuzha to a humble family, Achuthanandan’s early years were marked by poverty and hardship. Orphaned young, he worked as a tailor’s assistant and later in a coir factory, before being drawn into the communist movement. His lived experience of deprivation forged in him a lifelong commitment to social justice, equity, and people’s rights.
He was among the 32 historic leaders who broke away from the CPI in 1964 to establish the CPI(M)—a move that reshaped the Indian Left. Over the decades, he evolved into the people’s comrade, revered for his incorruptibility and deep connection with grassroots issues.
Political Career and Chief Ministership
VS contested ten Assembly elections between 1965 and 2016, winning seven of them. His most notable electoral triumph came in 2006, when, at the age of 82, he led the CPI(M) to a sweeping victory in Kerala and became Chief Minister. His term (2006–2011) was marked by:
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A strong anti-corruption stand, including action against encroachments in hill stations.
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Advocacy for environmental protection, including opposition to corporate overreach.
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Relentless support for the landless, farmers, and working class.
Despite facing resistance from within his own party, Achuthanandan remained uncompromising in his principles, often challenging decisions that he felt diluted the Left’s ideological foundations.
Tributes Pour In
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across political lines:
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The CPI(M) hailed him as an icon of dedication: “His life of struggle and unwavering dedication to the cause of the people will forever be an inspiration.”
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called him a “giant of Kerala's Communist movement,” adding, “He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti.”
Achuthanandan had remained out of public life in recent years due to age-related ailments, but his centenary in 2023 saw bipartisan reverence, underscoring his enduring legacy.
Legacy
VS Achuthanandan will be remembered not just as a political figure but as a symbol of clean, principled governance, and a tireless champion of the voiceless. His journey—from child laborer to Chief Minister—is a powerful narrative of resilience, ideological commitment, and hope. As Kerala observes a day of mourning, his memory lives on in the countless struggles he led, the reforms he championed, and the inspiration he continues to offer to future generations.
