V.S. Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala’s Left politics and former Chief Minister, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 101. The CPI(M) veteran, who served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, had retreated from public life following a minor stroke in 2019. He had been residing under care at his son V. Arun Kumar’s home since then, The Hindu reported.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, with leaders hailing him as a principled fighter, mass leader, and indomitable spirit of Kerala’s communist movement.
The Kerala government has announced three days of state mourning following his demise. “The Government have learnt with profound grief, the sad demise of VS Achuthanandan, former Chief Minister of Kerala, at 03.20 PM, at Thiruvananthapuram. As a mark of respect to the departed soul, all State Government offices, educational institutions including professional colleges, State Public Sector Undertakings, Statutory bodies, Autonomous institutions and all institutions under the purview of Negotiable Instruments Act, throughout the State, shall remain closed on Tuesday, the 22nd July, 2025,” a statement read, as per news agency ANI.
“Three days of State mourning will be observed throughout the State from 22.07.2025. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings throughout the State during the period,” it added.
PM Modi, Kerala CM Vijayan, Defence Minister Rajnath Pay Rich Tributes To VS Achuthanandan
PM Narendra Modi expressed condolences, recalling their meeting as chief ministers, “Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri VS Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour.”
Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri VS Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and… pic.twitter.com/hHBeC4LEKf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2025
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also mourned the CPI-M founding member as he wrote, “A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence comes to an end with the passing of our beloved Comrade V. S. Achuthanandan. His life – an illustrious saga of struggles like Punnapra-Vayalar, leadership of toiling agricultural workers, unwavering commitment as an organiser, and as an efficient administrator – remains a limitless repository of inspiration and lessons.”
A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence comes to an end with the passing of our beloved Comrade V. S. Achuthanandan. His life – an illustrious saga of struggles like Punnapra-Vayalar, leadership of toiling agricultural workers, unwavering commitment as an organiser,… pic.twitter.com/s2cFA3oc4f
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) July 21, 2025
“As a comrade and a resolute fighter of the people, Comrade VS, as he was fondly known, stands tall as a doyen of Marxist ideology, unyielding in his fight against the exploitative capitalist order. Expressing deepest sorrow at his passing and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and comrades. Adieu, and Lal Salaam, Comrade VS,” he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan ji. He was a seasoned politician who dedicated his life to public service and social causes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan ji. He was a seasoned politician who dedicated his life to public service and social causes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 21, 2025
Speaking to news agency ANI, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat called the veteran left leader a ‘warrior’. “We are all deeply sad. There is no science to prevent death, but I can say that for us, the people of Kerala and the poor of the country, he was a warrior. A warrior against injustice, against exploitation, and he always fought for a better future. As a warrior, as a fighter, as a legislator representing his constituency, as the CM of Kerala, there were many achievements for him,” she said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the demise of Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat says, “We are all deeply sad. There is no science to prevent death, but I can say that for us, the people of Kerala and the poor of the country, he was a… pic.twitter.com/GvAxtPsJdS
— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2025
Brinda Karat further remarked that while death had claimed Achuthanandan, he would continue to live in the hearts of the people.
CPI(M) Honours Achuthanandan As ‘A Voice of the Voiceless’
The CPI(M) Kerala unit took to X (formerly Twitter) to express its grief and gratitude. “We salute Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan—an architect of Kerala’s progressive journey, a voice of the voiceless, and a lifelong champion of the working class,” the party wrote.
We salute Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan—an architect of Kerala’s progressive journey, a voice of the voiceless, and a lifelong champion of the working class. pic.twitter.com/yMoKchefMa
— CPI(M) Kerala (@CPIMKerala) July 21, 2025
CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan Master shared a heartfelt message in Malayalam: “VS was a fighter whose struggles knew no pause. He gave strength to the forward march of the working class. He defined and led countless agitations in Kerala with his resolute Communist determination.”
In another post, he added, “VS had the power to inspire every section of society and the energy to face any crisis. The revolutionary leader departs into eternal sleep leaving behind monumental footprints for generations to follow.”
ഏതു സമൂഹത്തെയും ആവേശം കൊള്ളിക്കുവാൻ വിഎസിന് സാധിച്ചു. ഏതു പ്രതിസന്ധിയെയും നേരിടുവാനുള്ള ഊർജ്ജമാണ് സഖാവ്. തലമുറകൾക്ക് പിന്തുടരുവാനുള്ള മഹത്തായ പാദമുദ്രകൾ അടയാളപ്പെടുത്തിയാണ് വിപ്ലവ നായകൻ നിത്യനിദ്രയിലേക്ക് കടക്കുന്നത്.2/2
— CPI(M) Kerala (@CPIMKerala) July 21, 2025
Congress and BJP Leaders Remember VS Achuthanandan
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared a photograph of Achuthanandan releasing his book “The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone” in 2008, writing, “Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan… A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, ‘VS’ rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006–11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!”
Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (here, releasing my book “The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone” in Kerala, 2008).
A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, “VS” rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister… pic.twitter.com/upehl7vFeQ
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 21, 2025
Former Kerala BJP president K. Surendran also paid homage, stating, “Former Chief Minister and veteran communist leader Shri V.S. Achuthanandan’s demise marks the end of an era in Kerala politics. His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti.”
Former Chief Minister and veteran communist leader Shri V.S. Achuthanandan’s demise marks the end of an era in Kerala politics.
His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines.
Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/L4RJvmmUGZ
— K Surendran (@surendranbjp) July 21, 2025
VS Achuthanandan’s Political Legacy
Achuthanandan’s political life spanned nearly nine decades. Born in 1923 in Punnapra, Alappuzha, to a family of agricultural workers, he began his activism at the age of 16, organising peasants and workers against feudal oppression and colonial rule. He played a key role in the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946, during which he was arrested and brutally tortured by police, as per The Hindu.
A founding member of the CPI(M) in 1964, he rose to become State secretary, Polit Bureau member, Chief Minister, and Leader of the Opposition. A staunch ideologue, Achuthanandan was also a powerful orator known for his earthy sarcasm, wit, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
He is survived by his wife K. Vasumathy, daughter V.V. Asha, son V.A. Arun Kumar, and grandchildren.
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