V.S. Achuthanandan, Veteran Communist Leader and Former Kerala CM, Passes Away
V.S. Achuthanandan (1923-2025) passed away at the age of 101 due to a cardiac arrest.
A towering figure in Left politics, he served as Chief Minister of Kerala (2006-2011) and Leader of the Opposition.
Known for his relentless advocacy for:
Land reforms and agrarian justice:
- Environmental protection (especially wetlands)
- LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and transparency in governance
- Joined politics at 16 during anti-feudal struggles and emerged as a trade union leader for indentured workers and factory labourers.
About V.S. Achuthanandan:
- Full Name: Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan
- Born: October 20, 1923.
- Party: Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M)
Notable Roles:
- Chief Minister of Kerala (2006-2011)
- Leader of Opposition, Kerala Assembly (2001-2006)
- Founding member of CPI(M) (1964)
- Chairman, Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission (2016-2019)
Key Contributions:
1.Land Reforms and Anti-Corruption Crusade
Led campaigns against encroachment on public land and illegal land acquisitions in Munnar and other regions.
Advocated for transparency and good governance, especially targeting real estate and political corruption.
2.Champion of People’s Rights
Vocal supporter of rights of tribals, Dalits, and workers.
Took firm stances against corporate exploitation and stood with displaced communities.
3.Strong Governance Record as CM
As CM (2006-2011), prioritized public education, IT development, and land retrieval from encroachments.
Initiated Smart City Kochi and Technocity Thiruvananthapuram IT infrastructure projects.
4.Integrity and Mass Appeal
Known for austere personal life and high ethical standards, often seen as the “conscience keeper” of CPI(M).
Enjoyed strong public support despite internal party politics.
5.Senior-most Active Politician (Until 2024)
Retained active engagement in politics till nearly 100 years of age.
His centenary in October 2023 was widely celebrated.
Left Politics and Agrarian Movements in India
The V.S. Achuthanandan was a core figure of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))
He was also a prominent leader in the Kerala land reform movement.
This movement was a significant historical process that redistributed land to tillers, fundamentally altering agrarian relations in the state.
He played a key role in organizing peasants and workers in Kerala’s plantation sector.
He was also instrumental in organizing workers in the factory sectors of Kerala.
His life reflects the broader transition of Communist ideology in India.
This transition moved from an initial focus on class struggle and revolutionary goals.
It evolved towards active participation in electoral governance and parliamentary politics within a democratic framework.
M. S. Namboodiripad, who became the first Chief Minister of Kerala in 1957