Palakkad, 07 September (H.S.):

Senior Congress leader and former Chittur MLA K Achuthan died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Palakkad. He was 76. His death followed age-related health complications.

Achuthan was a prominent figure in the political, cooperative and agricultural spheres of Palakkad district. During a long public career, he established a strong presence in Chittur and represented the Assembly constituency for two decades, from 1996 to 2016.

Apart from his work as a legislator, Achuthan was closely associated with the cooperative movement. He served as president of the Tattamangalam Service Cooperative Bank and played an active role in initiatives connected with farmers and local development.

His engagement with civic administration preceded and complemented his legislative career. Achuthan had served as chairman of the Chittur-Tattamangalam municipality, giving him extensive experience in local governance and public administration.

Known as a senior leader of the Congress in the district, Achuthan had once been offered an opportunity to join the Oommen Chandy Cabinet. However, he declined the ministerial position, a decision that remained a notable episode in his political career.

His uninterrupted representation of Chittur across five Assembly terms made him one of the constituency's most familiar political figures. His work spanned grassroots organisation, municipal governance, cooperative activity and state-level politics.

Leaders and representatives from the political and social spheres expressed condolences over his death and recalled his contribution to public life. His passing marks the end of a political career closely linked with Chittur and the wider Palakkad region.

Achuthan is survived by his wife, C K Sudha, son Sumesh Achuth, and daughter A Sheeba. Sumesh Achuth is the sitting MLA from Chittur. Details regarding the funeral and related ceremonies were not immediately available as of the time of publication.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman