A Towering Red Legacy Ends: V.S. Achuthanandan, Kerala’s Last Communist Icon, Passes Away at 100
Thiruvananthapuram — In a monumental loss to India’s political landscape, V.S. Achuthanandan, the legendary leader of the Indian communist movement and former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away at the age of 100. A centenarian by age and a revolutionary by spirit, his demise has plunged Kerala into mourning and sparked tributes from across the political spectrum.
V.S. Achuthanandan was not just a politician; he was an institution. His life, spanning over a century, reflected the evolution of the Indian Left, the transformation of Kerala’s political narrative, and the tireless fight against corruption, inequality, and oppression. His unwavering commitment to the communist ideology and the people of Kerala earned him the title of the last true torchbearer of Marxist values in India.
Kerala declared a three-day mourning, and the state flag will fly at half-mast in his memory. The funeral is expected to be held with full state honours, with thousands likely to pay homage to the man who redefined people’s politics.
The Humble Beginnings of V.S. Achuthanandan
Born on October 20, 1923, in the village of Punnapra in Alappuzha district, V.S. Achuthanandan hailed from a humble background. Orphaned at a young age and forced to discontinue formal education, he took up work in a tailoring shop, where the early embers of rebellion against social injustice were kindled in him. The path to politics was never linear, but it was inevitable for someone as principled and passionate as him.
His initiation into political life began with trade union movements. In the pre-independence era, when oppression by landlords and the British Raj was rampant, V.S. Achuthanandan emerged as a fearless leader who galvanized workers and peasants. His efforts to organise agitations in the Coir industry and the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising made him a household name in Kerala.
The early activism of V.S. Achuthanandan laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable political journey spanning decades. Through imprisonment, underground activism, and electoral politics, he never strayed from his commitment to the masses.
His involvement in the Coir workers’ strike and his leadership during the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt against feudal exploitation were defining moments in his early political life. These movements demonstrated not only his organizational skills but also his resolve to stand up against oppression, no matter the consequences. V.S. Achuthanandan spent several years underground and was imprisoned multiple times during his fight against injustice.
Despite lacking a formal education, V.S. Achuthanandan became a self-taught intellectual. His speeches and writings reflected clarity of thought and a deep understanding of Marxist theory, social justice, and human dignity. Even as Kerala modernized and new political currents emerged, his beliefs remained firmly rooted in the welfare of the working class.
Championing the Communist Cause: From Worker to Leader
V.S. Achuthanandan was a pioneer in shaping the Communist Party of India (Marxist) after the historic 1964 split with the CPI. His role in mobilizing workers, peasants, and students helped lay the ideological and organizational foundations of the CPI(M) in Kerala. His loyalty to the core principles of Marxism made him both a respected leader and a polarizing figure within the party.
Over decades, V.S. Achuthanandan played a pivotal role in building the Left as a mass movement in Kerala. His integrity, simplicity, and deep connect with grassroots workers elevated him to the Politburo of the CPI(M), the party’s highest decision-making body. As a member of the Politburo, he was known for his unwavering stands, often challenging the leadership on key issues when he felt ideology was being compromised.
One of his major battles was against the globalisation policies that threatened local livelihoods. He stood firmly against land acquisition for corporate projects without adequate compensation. He also played a key role in organizing agitations against the privatization of public utilities and essential services, emphasizing the need for public ownership and equitable distribution.
V.S. Achuthanandan never hesitated to take a stand on issues like environmental protection, land reforms, education, and minority rights. His ideological purity and willingness to go against the tide made him a moral guardian for the party. For many cadres, he was more than a leader—he was a guiding light.
V.S. Achuthanandan as Chief Minister: Rewriting Governance
In 2006, the people of Kerala gave V.S. Achuthanandan the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister, fulfilling a long-standing popular demand. At 83, when most leaders retreat from public life, he stepped into the highest office in the state with remarkable vigour. His five-year term from 2006 to 2011 was marked by a flurry of reforms, crackdowns on corruption, and developmental initiatives.
One of the most iconic moves of his tenure was the Munnar eviction drive. In a historic and controversial operation, V.S. Achuthanandan led efforts to reclaim thousands of acres of illegally encroached land in the picturesque hill station of Munnar. This bold action against land mafias and resort lobbies won him widespread praise and also criticism, including from within his own party.
Under his leadership, Kerala saw initiatives in e-governance, expansion of public healthcare, protection of traditional industries, and strengthening of public education. His focus was always on inclusive development—uplifting the poorest and protecting the environment while ensuring economic growth.
Another significant achievement was his tough stand on the controversial Lavalin case, where he insisted on an investigation into corruption involving top political figures, including from his own party. His sense of justice and accountability was uncompromising, setting a precedent for integrity in political office.
A Relentless Crusader Beyond Power
After stepping down as Chief Minister in 2011, V.S. Achuthanandan continued to serve as an MLA and remained vocal on various social and political issues. He became a symbol of resistance against corruption, cronyism, and authoritarianism. Even from the backbenches, his voice carried weight. Whether it was about environmental degradation or public healthcare, he raised questions that others dared not.
He played an active role in opposing projects that he believed would harm Kerala’s ecological balance. His stand on protecting the Western Ghats and river ecosystems earned him the respect of environmentalists and activists.
As the Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, V.S. Achuthanandan submitted reports on improving transparency, accountability, and governance in public institutions. His recommendations are still cited in policy discussions today.
Even when he was excluded from the party’s central leadership due to internal differences, his stature remained intact. Across political lines, leaders acknowledged his moral authority and admired his principled stands. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he lived a modest life, devoid of luxury or personal wealth, setting a shining example of Gandhian-Marxist simplicity.
Personal Life of an Unyielding Revolutionary
Despite his towering public presence, V.S. Achuthanandan maintained a deeply private personal life. He was a family man, known for his simplicity and humility. He lived in a modest house in Thiruvananthapuram, often refusing privileges that came with power. His personal conduct, free from scandal or controversy, added to his public credibility.
He was an ardent reader and would often be seen with books on Marxism, Indian history, and current affairs. He was a man of discipline, known for his punctuality and structured daily routine. Colleagues and journalists recall that he always prepared meticulously for press conferences, legislative sessions, and party meetings.
His relationship with the media was marked by mutual respect, although he was known to be curt when misquoted or misunderstood. Yet, even his sternest critics could not deny his authenticity.
A National Influence: V.S. Achuthanandan Beyond Kerala
While V.S. Achuthanandan is primarily remembered for his work in Kerala, his influence extended far beyond the state’s borders. His speeches in the Indian Parliament and central party forums reflected a pan-Indian vision for justice and equality. His interventions in national debates on land rights, labor laws, and social justice were often quoted by intellectuals and activists.
His presence in the CPI(M) Politburo helped shape the national agenda of the Left. He was one of the key strategists behind the CPI(M)’s responses to the economic liberalization wave in the 1990s, voicing concerns about growing inequality and the erosion of labor protections. National media houses frequently sought his opinion, and his ideological clarity provided guidance in turbulent times.
He met with global socialist leaders and participated in multiple international workers’ forums, advocating for a world where people’s welfare comes before profit. His critiques of imperialism, capitalism, and the growing corporate influence on democracy resonated with activists across continents.
Cultural Impact and Public Sentiment Around V.S. Achuthanandan
Beyond politics, V.S. Achuthanandan became a cultural icon in Kerala. His name and speeches often featured in street plays, literature, and even films as a symbol of honesty and uncompromising values. His distinctive speech pattern and straightforward style became part of the state’s cultural memory.
He was fondly referred to as “VS” by the people, a name that inspired trust and fearlessness. His popularity among the youth, despite his age, was a rare phenomenon in Indian politics. His birthday was celebrated every year not just by the CPI(M) but by fans and admirers who saw in him a leader they could trust.
Social media platforms saw thousands of tribute posts within hours of his passing, many sharing rare photos, powerful quotes, and anecdotes from his life. From college students to retired teachers, tributes poured in, reflecting the depth of his connection with the people of Kerala.