PM Modi Pays Tribute To CPI-M Veteran VS Achuthanandan

Veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan passed away on Monday at the age of 101 in Thiruvananthapuram.

PM Modi was among the first national leaders to respond to the news of Achuthanandan’s demise, writing on social media, “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.”

Achuthanandan, known widely by his initials ‘VS’, was the last surviving founding member of the CPI(M), which was formed in 1964 following a split from the Communist Party of India. Revered across political lines, he remained a symbol of integrity and commitment to people’s rights.

Statewide Mourning

Achuthanandan had been in critical condition since suffering a cardiac arrest on 23 June, and remained on ventilator support until his death. Chief Minister Vijayan and a convoy of supporters brought his body to the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, the historical headquarters of the CPI(M).

Vijayan said the late leader’s life was a relentless struggle for the people. “With the passing of VS, a generation ends. His contribution as a legislator, trade union leader, Opposition Leader, and Chief Minister will never be forgotten,” he said.

Condolences from Across the Political Spectrum

Political figures from all sides expressed their sorrow.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as a leader respected by friends and foes alike. Congress veteran AK Antony visited the AKG Centre to pay his respects, recalling numerous Assembly face-offs during their political careers.

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan remarked that ‘VS became a symbol of political conscience in Kerala’, while others, including Maria Oommen, whom he once strongly criticised in the Assembly—also offered tributes.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan confirmed that officials would move the late leader’s body to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday night.

On Tuesday morning, officials will place the body in state at the Secretariat’s Durbar Hall for public homage before taking it to Alappuzha.

Officials have scheduled the funeral for Wednesday at the Valiyachudukad cremation ground.

CPI(M) members across Kerala lowered party flags to half-mast and hoisted black flags in mourning, marking the loss of a towering figure in India’s political history.

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