Former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan passes away at 101; Condolences pour in

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader VS Achuthanandan passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. He was 101 years old. Achuthanandan served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011 and made a long and influential contribution to the state’s politics

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram today on Monday. He was 101 years old. Achuthanandan served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011 and made a long and influential contribution to the state's politics.

Political career and achievements

According to sources, V.S. Achuthanandan was one of the 32 founders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) after breaking away from the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1964. He was one of the few surviving leaders in today's time who played a role in the formation of the party. The 82-year-old returned his party to power in Kerala in 2006 and led the state as chief minister for five years.

Health and personal life

For the last few years, he had been keeping a distance from public life. Due to age and health issues, he used to spend most of his time at his son's house in Thiruvananthapuram. His personal secretary A.G. Sasidharan Nair said that he was a fearless leader who always spoke for the cause of the people without any fear.

The image of a fearless leader

Sashidharan Nair recounted an important incident when his son V.A. Arun Kumar was accused of corruption in 2008. VS himself announced a probe by an assembly committee, which proved the allegations to be false. This was an example of his honesty and fairness.

Shashi Tharoor expresses anguish

Congress leader and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor condoled the death of V. S. Achuthanandan. He described him as a "great communist leader" and a "beloved mass leader of the people." Tharoor said his life is an inspiring story of rising from humble background to become a mass leader and his fearlessness and integrity will always be remembered.

Heritage and political significance

V. S. Achuthanandan spent his entire life fighting for the rights of the deprived and exploited sections of the society. His political journey has been an example for Kerala. His death marks the end of an era in Kerala politics. His loss will be irreparable for the entire society and the party.