Thiruvananthapuram – Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, or simply Comrade VS to millions, passed away at the age of 101 in the capital city of Kerala. His death marks the end of an era — not just for the Left movement in India, but for the very ethos of people’s politics in Kerala.
The former Chief Minister, freedom fighter, reformist, and founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) breathed his last after years of quiet retirement, having battled health complications since a minor stroke in 2019. Surrounded by his family — son V. Arun Kumar, wife Vasumathy, and daughter Asha — VS spent his final days in calm, far from the rousing political battlegrounds where he once reigned as a titan.
From Humble Beginnings to Political Colossus
Born on October 20, 1923, in Alappuzha district, VS’s early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned young and raised in poverty, he began working at a young age as a coir factory labourer. But it was here, amid the chants for better wages and fairer treatment, that his revolutionary spirit was forged.
VS joined the political mainstream through the State Congress in 1939, and later the Communist Party. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, he soon rose through the ranks to become one of the CPI(M)’s stalwarts when the party was formed in 1964. He was jailed multiple times, tortured, and even forced underground during the Emergency — but never deterred.
The Chief Minister Who Took on the System
His crowning moment came when he became Kerala’s 11th Chief Minister (2006–2011). In office, VS struck a rare balance — remaining both an old-school Marxist and a pragmatist.
One of his most talked-about actions was the Munnar eviction drive, where illegal encroachments on government land were bulldozed, regardless of the clout of those involved. He also pushed for IT sector growth, making Kerala attractive to tech giants and championing initiatives like InfoPark and SmartCity Kochi.
Under his leadership, land reforms were revived, and corruption was vocally opposed. His government’s decision to pursue transparency and public interest litigation left an indelible mark.
The ‘Darling of the Masses’
VS’s appeal lay in his raw honesty and unfiltered speeches. With no pretensions, he struck a chord with the working class and the youth. Whether railing against “land mafias” or calling out political hypocrisy, his words carried the weight of conviction.
In Malampuzha, his constituency, he remained undefeated — elected in 2001 and again in 2006, even after initially being denied a ticket. As Leader of the Opposition (2011–2016), he continued to command mass appeal, especially among young voters inspired by his integrity.
A Lifetime of Resistance
Few politicians have remained active across eight decades. VS’s journey began with the freedom struggle and peaked in a digital India he helped shape.
Despite frequent clashes with his party’s official line, including being sidelined during the 2016 Assembly elections, he never abandoned his ideology. In 2010, his controversial remarks about “Love Jihad” made national headlines and triggered widespread debates on social politics. Though criticized, the incident proved VS was never afraid of uncomfortable conversations.
A Nation in Mourning
The Kerala government declared three days of state mourning, including a public holiday on July 22. Flags were flown at half-mast, and condolence messages poured in across political boundaries.
CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan called him “an enduring force of resistance,” while even ideological opponents acknowledged his unmatched contribution to public life.
A public viewing of his mortal remains is being held at the AKG Centre and Durbar Hall in Thiruvananthapuram. The funeral procession to Alappuzha, his birthplace, will conclude on July 23 with full state honors.
More Than a Leader — A Legacy
VS Achuthanandan was not just a politician. He was an idea — of resistance, reform, and the belief that one could stay clean in public life without compromise.
From organizing the coir workers of Alappuzha in the 1940s to spearheading land reforms and IT policy in the 21st century, he remained unwavering in his commitment to the public good. His political allies included legends like EMS Namboodiripad, while his ideological influence continues to inspire leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan.
His demise leaves a void not just in Kerala but in the larger Indian Left movement that is struggling to redefine itself in contemporary times.
The Last Red Star
With Comrade VS’s passing, Kerala and India lose their last true link to the golden age of Left politics. A man who endured jail, betrayal, public scrutiny, and political exile — yet never stopped believing in a better, more equal society.
As Kerala bids farewell to its “People’s Comrade,” one thing remains certain: VS Achuthanandan’s legacy will outlive his time, etched in history as a reminder that the fire of justice can burn even at 101.
Rest in Power, Comrade.
