Alappuzha, 21 July (H.S.): Kerala will on Tuesday mark the first death anniversary of veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, remembering him as one of the state's most influential political figures whose life became synonymous with struggle, integrity and grassroots activism.
Achuthanandan, who passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101, left behind a political legacy spanning more than eight decades. Revered by supporters as the conscience of Kerala's Left movement, he played a pivotal role in shaping the state's progressive political landscape and remained a powerful voice for workers, farmers and the marginalised throughout his public life.
Inspired by Communist stalwart P. Krishna Pillai, Achuthanandan joined the Communist movement at a young age and actively participated in the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. He was among the 32 leaders who walked out of the Communist Party of India during the 1964 split to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He later served as CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary from 1980 to 1992 and was a member of the party's Polit Bureau from 1985 to 2009.
Throughout his career, Achuthanandan built a reputation for taking uncompromising positions on issues of public interest. He led campaigns against alleged corruption in high-profile cases, including the Palmolein import, SNC-Lavalin, Ice Cream Parlour and Idamalayar controversies, while also championing people's movements such as the anti-Endosulfan campaign and the Plachimada anti-Coca-Cola struggle. At the age of 82, he became Kerala's Chief Minister, continuing his activist approach even while in office.
Although the Union government posthumously announced the Padma Vibhushan for him, his family declined the honour after consulting the CPI(M), in keeping with his political ideals.
To commemorate his legacy, the CPI(M) has planned a series of memorial events across Kerala. A memorial built at his cremation site at Valiya Chudukadu in Alappuzha will be inaugurated on Tuesday, followed by a commemorative rally and public meeting that will be inaugurated by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. A half-bust statue sculpted by renowned artist Unni Kanayi will also be installed at Achuthanandan's ancestral home in Velikkakathu, Paravur. Memorial programmes will be held across the state as political workers and admirers pay tribute to a leader whose unwavering commitment to public causes continues to inspire generations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
