Achuthanandan, fondly known as VS, died on Monday after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy as a transformative figure in Kerala's political landscape. He was a foundational member of India's largest communist party and served as the chief minister of Kerala. His passing has drawn throngs of supporters onto the streets to honor a leader synonymous with the fight for the rights of the downtrodden.
Achuthanandan rose from a challenging childhood, marked by personal loss and socioeconomic struggles, to become an iconic figure within the state. Following a cardiac arrest last month, he had been receiving treatment in Thiruvananthapuram. His funeral on Wednesday is expected to be held in Alappuzha district, attended by dignitaries and supporters alike, to reflect his contributions to the communist movement in India.
In a heartfelt tribute, MA Baby, the CPI(M) general secretary, hailed Achuthanandan as a paragon of struggle and a champion for the oppressed. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called him a limitless source of inspiration, underscoring his importance even after his retirement from public life following a stroke in 2019.
For over two decades, Achuthanandan was central to the state's political dynamics, serving both as chief minister and leader of the opposition. His journey began as a labor activist at the age of 17, where his commitment to workers' rights defined his career. Notably, he led a historic revolt in 1946, enduring imprisonment and torture, and later became a voice for numerous social issues, from labor and land rights to women's empowerment.
Despite facing challenges from within his party and the establishment, Achuthanandan remained unwavering in his dedication to the principles of communism. His legacy is celebrated by many who remember him as a leader who united the common people in Kerala through trailblazing activism.
Achuthanandan rose from a challenging childhood, marked by personal loss and socioeconomic struggles, to become an iconic figure within the state. Following a cardiac arrest last month, he had been receiving treatment in Thiruvananthapuram. His funeral on Wednesday is expected to be held in Alappuzha district, attended by dignitaries and supporters alike, to reflect his contributions to the communist movement in India.
In a heartfelt tribute, MA Baby, the CPI(M) general secretary, hailed Achuthanandan as a paragon of struggle and a champion for the oppressed. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called him a limitless source of inspiration, underscoring his importance even after his retirement from public life following a stroke in 2019.
For over two decades, Achuthanandan was central to the state's political dynamics, serving both as chief minister and leader of the opposition. His journey began as a labor activist at the age of 17, where his commitment to workers' rights defined his career. Notably, he led a historic revolt in 1946, enduring imprisonment and torture, and later became a voice for numerous social issues, from labor and land rights to women's empowerment.
Despite facing challenges from within his party and the establishment, Achuthanandan remained unwavering in his dedication to the principles of communism. His legacy is celebrated by many who remember him as a leader who united the common people in Kerala through trailblazing activism.
