V. S. Achuthanandan, Kerala's Towering Communist Leader, Passes Away at 101

 

V. S. Achuthanandan, Kerala's Towering Communist Leader, Passes Away at 101¹

Thiruvananthapuram, July 21, 2025 – V. S. Achuthanandan, a monumental figure in Kerala and Indian left politics, and one of the most recognizable Communist leaders in the country, passed away today at the age of 101. His demise marks the end of an era for Kerala's political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of relentless struggle for justice and the rights of the marginalized.

Born into a impoverished farming family in Alappuzha in 1923, Achuthanandan's early life was marked by hardship.³ Orphaned at 11, he began working as a weaving apprentice, an experience that ignited his activism against worker exploitation. His political journey began in 1939 with the State Congress, quickly leading him to join the Communist Party in 1940. He rose to prominence as a trade unionist, fearlessly representing agricultural laborers and factory workers, enduring numerous arrests and imprisonments for his activism against the Diwan of Travancore and the British Raj.

A pivotal moment in his career came in 1964 when he was one of 32 leaders who broke away from the Communist Party of India (CPI) to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M).⁵ He played a crucial role in establishing the CPI(M) as a formidable force in Kerala, serving as the Kerala state secretary from 1980 to 1992 and as a Politburo member from 1985 to 2009.

Achuthanandan's electoral and administrative record was extensive.⁷ He served multiple terms in the Kerala Legislative Assembly (1967, 1970, 1991, 2001, 2006, and 2016) and held the position of Leader of the Opposition for a remarkable 15 years, the longest in Kerala's history. At the age of 82, he made history by becoming the oldest Chief Minister of Kerala, serving from 2006 to 2011.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, Achuthanandan was known for his decisive actions. He led the significant Munnar eviction drive to reclaim illegally occupied government land and launched strong initiatives against the real estate mafia, illegal lottery businesses, and corruption, notably securing the conviction of former minister R. Balakrishna Pillai. He championed the promotion of free software and anti-piracy initiatives in education and administration and oversaw major infrastructure projects such as the Vallarpadam transhipment terminal, while also advancing plans for the Kannur airport and Kochi Metro.

Throughout his career, Achuthanandan was celebrated for his integrity, outspokenness, and unwavering stance against corruption and land encroachment.¹⁰ He often clashed with political opponents and even senior leaders within his own party, most notably Pinarayi Vijayan, showcasing his independent streak.¹ Despite facing internal party strife, his image as an incorruptible people's leader endured, enabling him to stage remarkable political comebacks.

Even after stepping away from active politics due to health, his influence on the Left in Kerala and broader progressive politics remained profound. V. S. Achuthanandan's legacy is that of a relentless fighter for justice, a voice for the oppressed, and a symbol of leftist resilience and principles in Indian politics. He will be remembered as the last surviving founder of CPI(M) and a true people's comrade.