Introduction
Across Kerala, silence follows after the news: VS Achuthanandan, affectionately known as Comrade VS, has passed away at the age of 101. His death marks not just the end of a life but also the close of a chapter in Indian politics—the final founding leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), whose journey spanned pre-independence struggles, landmark reforms, and decades of integrity-fuelled leadership. This article explores his extraordinary life, his legacy, and the profound impact of his passing.
From Coir Factory to Left Icon
At first glance, VS Achuthanandan’s life resembles a script from history books. Born on October 20, 1923 in Punnapra, Alappuzha district, he faced early hardships. Losing his mother at four and his father at eleven, he left school after Grade 7 and began working—first in a tailoring shop, then in a coir factory—to support his family Onmanorama+13www.ndtv.com+13Hindustan Times+13Hindustan Times+6Wikipedia+6The Indian Express+6.
Yet, from these humble beginnings emerged a political giant. In 1939, just as the freedom movement surged, he entered trade union activism. By 1940, he had joined the Communist Party of India (CPI). His early efforts focused on organising agricultural labourers in Kuttanad, where he earned respect as a grassroots leader Deshabhimani+1Madhyamam+1.
Revolution, Repression, Resolve
Crucially, VS emerged as a key figure in the 1946 Punnapra–Vayalar uprising, a revolt against feudal oppression. His role earned him years in prison and underground life, including brutal beatings and forced confinement—an ordeal that sharpened his determination Madhyamam+2Deshabhimani+2The Federal+2.
Perhaps paradoxically, despite ascending within the CPI ranks, he remained a voice of dissent, often clashing with authority—even within his party. Following the 1964 split that birthed CPI(M), he continued on as a founding member and later served as the state’s CPI(M) secretary from 1980 to 1992 Hindustan Times+10The News Minute+10The Federal+10.
From Opposition Champion to Chief Minister
Race to the limelight escalated in the 1990s and 2000s. He served as Leader of the Opposition three times: 1991–96, 2001–06, and 2011–16, becoming the longest-serving opposition leader in Kerala @mathrubhumi+1The Economic Times+1.
Then, in 2006, at 82, he became Chief Minister of Kerala—making history as the oldest to assume office and cementing his power with notable reforms. During his tenure until 2011, his government:
- Pushed critical land reform measures via the “Alappuzha Declaration,” empowering farmers and agricultural workers
- Launched major infrastructure projects like the Kochi container terminal, Kollam Technopark, and groundwork for the Kannur airport Deshabhimani+2Wikipedia+2@mathrubhumi+2
Importantly, he governed with simplicity and unwavering integrity, earning deep affection across social strata.
Integrity Amid Internal Rift
In an unusual political twist, VS’s reputation outweighed internal strife. He challenged his own party’s leadership, notably criticizing then CM Pinarayi Vijayan over the SNC Lavalin case in 2009. Though demoted from the CPI(M) politburo, he retained massive public support and elevated moral authority YouTube+12The News Minute+12The Federal+12.
Despite factional clashes, he maintained a public image rooted in principled politics, becoming Kerala’s beloved “people’s leader”, known for stamina, modesty, and an unbending moral compass The News MinuteThe New Indian Express.
Final Years & Passing
After a stroke in 2019, VS receded from public view Hindustan Times+4www.ndtv.com+4The New Indian Express+4. Yet, the state felt his presence during elections and policy debates. Then, in June 2025, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was hospitalised www.ndtv.com+1@mathrubhumi+1.
On July 21, 2025, at 3:20 pm, he breathed his last in a Thiruvananthapuram hospital at the age of 101 Onmanorama+6www.ndtv.com+6@mathrubhumi+6.
Kerala’s Collective Farewell
In response, the Kerala government announced a state holiday on July 22, with a three-day mourning period until July 24. Flags flew at half-mast, schools and offices closed, and leaders from across parties offered heartfelt condolences Deshabhimani.
Tributes poured in: CM Pinarayi Vijayan hailed an end to “a glorious era of revolutionary will”, while PM Narendra Modi—notably from a different political spectrum—praised VS as a lifelong public servant committed to Kerala’s progress Wikipedia+13Hindustan Times+13The Federal+13.
Legacy: The Final Titan
VS’s death symbolizes the sunset of India’s first-generation communist idealists. As one eulogist declared, he was the “last Left titan”, an abiding emblem of Kerala’s political consciousness The News Minute.
His influence cuts across:
- Ethical politics: Known as a crusader against corruption, he held leaders—including family—to account The News MinuteWikipedia.
- Workers’ rights and agrarian reforms: His early trade union work and bold land policy defined Kerala’s socio-economic shift.
- Environmental and social advocacy: Beyond party lines, he spoke out on minority rights, tribal welfare, digital access, and ecological issues The Economic Times.
Impacts on Political Landscape
His passing raises vital questions:
- Who will inspire post-Left youth? His rarity as a moralistic leader leaves a vacuum in Kerala’s public sphere.
- How will CPI(M) address factionalism? His internal clashes warn of cohesion risks as both ideals and leaders fade.
- Will ethos endure or erode? His death may challenge successors to balance populism and principle within evolving democratic demands.
Remembering VS: Voice of the Masses
At his funeral—attended by thousands—he was celebrated as “our eyes, our heart.” Such a tribute reflects a lasting imprint: a leader who never lost touch with the people.
In the words of MG Radhakrishnan, VS reminded an era losing idealism that “something golden” once guided public life The FederalThe News Minute.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Legacy Lives On
As Kerala dons its mourning colours, the state is left with more than grief—it holds responsibility. VS Achuthanandan’s life reminds leaders that power must be wielded with conscience; public service should reflect humility and courage.
The nation, too, has lost a moral touchstone. His journey—from coir factory to Kerala’s top seat—stands as evidence: transformative change is possible through integrity and persistence.
May his memory inspire the next generation of leaders to combine passion with principle. In so doing, they will honour both the man and the movement he shaped.
