Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, a prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the age of 101. He had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram since June 23, following a cardiac arrest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging Achuthanandan's dedicated service to Kerala. Modi recalled his time as a fellow Chief Minister and praised Achuthanandan's decades-long commitment to the state and its people.
Achuthanandan was born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, Alappuzha. He became involved in the worker's movement at a young age and joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1940. In 1964, he was among the 32 leaders who separated from the CPI to form the CPI(M). He was the last surviving member of that original group.
He served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011. He also held the position of Leader of the Opposition three times. Achuthanandan withdrew from active politics in 2018 after suffering a stroke.
Throughout his career, Achuthanandan was known for his unwavering commitment to communist ideology and his advocacy for the underprivileged. He was a formidable force in Kerala's political landscape, admired by many for his sharp intellect and powerful speeches. He was also the longest-serving opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, holding the position for 15 years.
Even though he was a dedicated communist, he was not always strict when it came to party discipline. In 2009, he was removed from the CPI(M)'s Polit Bureau for going against the CPI(M) State secretariat.
Achuthanandan's political journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Despite facing electoral defeats early in his career, he rose to become one of the most recognizable and charismatic leaders in the CPI(M). He represented several constituencies in the Kerala Assembly, including Ambalappuzha, Mararikulam, and Malampuzha.
His demise marks the end of an era in Kerala's communist movement. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the working class and a significant contribution to the state's political and social landscape.
