Thousands Pay Homage to Veteran Communist Leader V.S. Achuthanandan inKerala’s Capital

By Amit Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a massive outpouring of grief as thousands gathered to honor the
legacy of V.S. Achuthanandan, the revered former Chief Minister and senior Communist leader, who
passed away at the age of 101. The veteran leader, whose political journey spanned more than eight
decades, died on Monday while receiving treatment at a private hospital.

Achuthanandan’s body was laid in state at the Durbar Hall in the Secretariat, drawing large crowds
eager to pay their final respects. Mourners of all ages, from senior citizens to students, assembled
with flowers and portraits, many visibly emotional as they recalled his lifelong dedication to public
service and leftist politics. The air was filled with the heartfelt chant “Kanne Karale VS’e,” a touching
homage to the man who shaped Kerala’s political scene for generations.

Among those present were prominent figures including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan,
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, veteran leaders Prakash
Karat and Brinda Karat, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, Congress leaders Ramesh
Chennithala and Sunny Joseph, as well as business magnate M.A. Yusuff Ali. Several ministers,
political dignitaries, and bureaucrats also paid tribute.

The funeral procession carrying Achuthanandan’s remains will travel along the National Highway,
covering 27 points in Thiruvananthapuram and eight locations in Kollam, before reaching his
ancestral home in Paravur, Punnapra, Alappuzha.

A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan served as Kerala’s
Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 and was a seven-time MLA, holding the position of Leader of the
Opposition on three occasions. After a minor stroke in 2019, he had stepped back from public life
and spent his later years at his son V. Arun Kumar’s home in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala is observing a three-day state mourning period until July 24, 2025, with government offices
and educational institutions closed on Tuesday in honor of the departed leader. The final rites will be
held with full state honors, commemorating the life of a man who remained an enduring symbol of
integrity and dedication to the people throughout his long and impactful career.