One of India’s most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala’s political history, VS Achuthanandan, passed away on Monday at the age of 101.
The veteran leader died at a private hospital in Kerala while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest nearly a month ago. Achuthanandan, a founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), was a lifelong champion of workers’ rights, land reforms and social justice.
A staunch Marxist until his final moments, Achuthanandan holds the distinction of being India’s first communist leader from a working-class background to rise to the office of Chief Minister. Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor took to X and posted, “Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan…A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, “VS” rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006-11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!”
Founding member of CPI(M)
A founding figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) after the 1964 split in the undivided Communist Party, Achuthanandan’s life was defined by unrelenting struggle — against the entrenched injustices of a caste and class-bound society, and against the creeping revisionism he saw within his own party.
Whereas his peers — E M S Namboodiripad, Jyoti Basu and E K Nayanar — came from privileged, upper-caste families and were drawn to communism by its intellectual promise, Achuthanandan lived the inequality they fought.
Achuthanandan, affectionately known as Comrade ‘VS’ by party colleagues and even political opponents, led a life so eventful that he was once presumed dead and prepared for burial after being assaulted by police during a pre-Independence struggle for workers’ rights — only to survive, defy his attackers, and rise to become one of Kerala’s most towering political figures.
On Monday, Achuthanandan died at a private hospital here at the age of 101.
Times and life of Comrade VS
For over eight decades, he remained firmly on the side of workers, farmers and the poor– his politics shaped by the fires of anti-colonial resistance, class struggle and the complicated, often turbulent path of the Indian Left.
Born on October 20, 1923 at Punnapra village in Alappuzha district, and educated up to Class 7, Achuthanandan’s political awakening began early.
He entered public life through trade union activism and joined the State Congress in 1939, before embracing Marxism a year later by becoming a member of the Communist Party.
His political career was not without its cost. During the British rule and the turbulent post-Independence years, he endured five and a half years in prison and spent four and a half years underground to evade arrest.
Live: ‘Towering figure in Kerala politics…’, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik offers condolences
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan. “He was a towering figure in Kerala politics and will be remembered for the grassroots connect and dedication to serve the people. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and followers in the hour of grief. #omshanti,” Patnaik posted on X.
Live: Journey nothing short of a political epic
From a tailoring shop helper to Kerala’s Chief Minister, VS Achuthanandan’s life was nothing short of a political epic. His journey was marked by fierce struggles—not just against political opponents but also within his own party—fighting tirelessly for the causes of the common people.
In 1964, he became a pivotal figure in a historic split from the Communist Party of India, joining 31 others in founding the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The ideological rupture that led to the CPI(M)’s birth cemented Achuthanandan’s place in the party’s legacy and Kerala’s political history.
He went on to serve as the CPI(M)’s Kerala State Committee secretary for over a decade, shaping its grassroots strategy between 1980 and 1992. Elected four times to the state Assembly and twice as Leader of the Opposition, he stood as the party’s sharpest voice of dissent.
Though denied the CM’s post in 1996 after an intra-party rift, he returned in 2006 to finally lead Kerala—undaunted, sharp-tongued and still fighting for justice.
Live: Condolences pour in for Comrade VS
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday condoled the death of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader VS Achuthanandan.
Achuthanandan, one of India’s most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala’s political history, died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.
“I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of veteran communist leader and former chief minister of Kerala, VS Achuthanandan,” Naidu said in a post on ‘X’.
Describing Achuthanandan’s political journey as one that spanned over eight decades, Naidu said it reflected a steadfast commitment to his ideals and public service. “May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Similarly, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a statement, mourned Achuthanandan’s death, stating, “Kerala’s political sphere has lost a great leader.” Reddy said Achuthanandan’s courage, dedication, and love for the people would remain etched in their hearts. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the veteran Marxist leader’s family and admirers.
– via PTI
Live: Defence Minister mourns passing of Achuthanandan
Mourning the passing of VS Achuthanandan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan ji. He was a seasoned politician who dedicated his life to public service and social causes. My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.”
Live: PM Modi recalls interactions with VS Achuthanandan
“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,” PM Modi posted on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/hHBeC4LEKf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2025
Live: Three-day state mourning announced in Kerala
Kerala government has announced a three-day state mourning from July 22 as a tribute to late former CM VS Achuthanandan. All Kerala government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on Tuesday.
Live: MK Stalin salutes ‘great iconic leader’
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin condoled the passing of VS Achuthanandan. “A beloved mass leader, lifelong communist, and former Chief Minister, he embodied principled politics and the spirit of public service. My heartfelt condolences to his family, the [party] cadre and the people of Kerala who mourn the loss of a true colossus,” Stalin posted on X.
Live: BRS leader K Kavitha condoles Achuthanandan’s passing
BRS leader K Kavitha said she’s ‘saddened by the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan’. “His unwavering commitment to public service will be remembered forever,” she posted on X. “My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers,” she added.
Live: Achuthanandan’s mortal remains to be placed at AKG Centre
The mortal remains of VS Achuthanandan will be placed at the AKG Centre on Monday evening for the public to pay their last respects. Later at night, the body will be taken to his son’s residence at Barton Hill, where the family will hold a private vigil.
Achuthanandan will lie in state at the historic Durbar Hall in the Government Secretariat on Tuesday, allowing political leaders, colleagues and citizens to offer tributes.
The funeral procession will leave for Alappuzha on Wednesday afternoon.
Live: Lal Salaam to Comrade VS
CPI (Marxist) official X account posted, “Red Salute to Comrade V. S. Achuthanandan!”
Red Salute to Comrade V. S. Achuthanandan!
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) July 21, 2025
Veteran communist leader and Former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan passed away at the age of 101 on July 21. His life of struggle and unwavering dedication to the cause of the people will forever be an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/lfEDkh1PTC
Live: Shashi Tharoor mourns the passing of ‘mass leader’
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor took to X and posted, “Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan…A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, “VS” rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006-11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!”
Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (here, releasing my book "The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone" in Kerala, 2008).
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 21, 2025
A giant of Kerala's Communist movement, "VS" rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister… pic.twitter.com/upehl7vFeQ