Introduction: The Last Comrade of His Kind

In an era of fleeting political ideologies and transactional leadership, Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, or V.S., stood as a resolute pillar of integrity, ideology, and the people’s cause. A revolutionary who never compromised, a democrat within a cadre, and a crusader of the oppressed — V.S. Achuthanandan was more than just Kerala’s former Chief Minister; he was the conscience of the Left movement in India. His passing on 21 July 2025, at the age of 101, marked the end of an epoch in Kerala’s political history.

A Humble Beginning in Punnapra

Born on 20 October 1923 in Punnapra, a coastal village in Alappuzha district, Travancore, V.S. came from a modest background. Orphaned by the age of 11, he discontinued education after the 7th standard and began working in a tailoring shop and later in a coir factory. These early hardships sharpened his understanding of labor exploitation and seeded his political awakening.

His early exposure to trade union movements eventually led him to join the State Congress in 1938, followed by the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1940. That single decision would define the next 85 years of his life — in struggle, imprisonment, underground resistance, and ultimately governance.

Forging the Left Movement in Kerala

Achuthanandan’s contributions to the Left movement in Kerala were foundational. In 1964, he was among the key leaders who split from the CPI to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist). As a committed Marxist-Leninist, VS spent over five years in jail and more than four years underground, facing repression from the state but never compromising his ideology.

He played a critical role in land reform movements, leading the 1970 Alappuzha Declaration that demanded the implementation of land redistribution laws. His command over cadre and mass appeal made him a natural leader. By the 1980s, he was Secretary of the Kerala CPI(M) State Committee, and in 1985, he was inducted into the Politburo.

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V.S. Achuthanandan calling on the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on March 08, 2008.

Voice of the People — The Eternal Opposition Leader

Between 1991 and 2006, V.S. served as the Leader of the Opposition for 15 years, making him the longest-serving opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly. His tenure was marked by fearless criticism of corruption, advocacy for farmers and workers, and a relentless fight against real estate, liquor, and lottery mafias.

VS functioned not just as a critic of the ruling front but also as a guardian of public morality in the legislature. His presence in the Assembly was a constant reminder that politics, when driven by values, could remain unsullied even amid power struggles.

Chief Ministership (2006–2011) — Governance with Grit

At the age of 82, in what became a historic political comeback, V.S. Achuthanandan was sworn in as Kerala’s 11th Chief Minister in May 2006 after a sweeping electoral victory in Malampuzha.

Key Initiatives as CM:

  • Munnar Demolition Drive: Reclaimed illegally encroached government land, striking at the heart of land mafia operations.
  • Kochi MG Road Clearance: Cleared decades of encroachments to restore public space.
  • Anti-Piracy and Anti-Lottery Operations: VS was unflinching in his war on syndicates that thrived on illegal trade.
  • Action Against Corruption: Instrumental in the conviction of former minister R. Balakrishna Pillai.
  • Free Software in Education: A visionary move to integrate open-source software into the school curriculum, drawing global praise.

Despite intra-party resistance, he led with unwavering clarity, often taking stances that contradicted his own party leadership — earning respect across the political spectrum.

Building Kerala — Development with a Human Face

Under his leadership, Kerala saw significant infrastructure and technological advancement:

  • Vallarpadam Container Terminal: India’s first international transshipment terminal.
  • Kannur International Airport: Foundation laid under his leadership.
  • Infoparks and Technoparks: Major expansions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Cherthala to boost IT employment.
  • Kochi Metro: The Achuthanandan cabinet gave its initial nod to Kerala’s flagship metro project.
  • Chamravattom Regulator-cum-Bridge and Ashtamudi Tourism Development: Enhanced regional connectivity and tourism.

The Final Phase of Public Life

Even after stepping down as CM, VS remained active in public life. In 2016, he was appointed as Chairman of Kerala’s Administrative Reforms Commission, holding cabinet rank until 2021. He continued to advocate for transparent governance and clean administration.

VS turned 100 in October 2023, a milestone few politicians ever reach, either in years or in relevance. Even during his final years, he remained a powerful symbol of honesty and public accountability.

A Cultural and Political Icon

Beyond politics, VS became a cultural symbol in Kerala:

  • Inspired characters in Malayalam cinema (Aayudham, August 15, IG).
  • Appeared as himself in the film Campus Diary (2016), fighting corporate exploitation.
  • Authored books including Samaram Thanne Jeevitham, Janapaksham, and Irakal Vettayadappedumbol, giving insights into his ideology and battles.

His life became a textbook for future activists and scholars of political science.

Personal Life: A Quiet Family Man

Despite his fierce public persona, VS led a quiet family life. He was married to K. Vasumathy and had two children — daughter V.V. Asha and son V.A. Arun Kumar. Known for his frugality and simplicity, VS lived modestly and shunned privileges that came with office.

Final Days and Death at 101

Achuthanandan was admitted to SUT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, on 23 June 2025, after a cardiac arrest. Despite intensive treatment, he passed away on 21 July 2025, aged 101. His cremation will be held on 23rd July and lakhs will be attended — from political colleagues to common citizens.

Conclusion: The Life of a Relentless Revolutionary

Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan was not just a politician — he was a movement. He walked through fire — literally and metaphorically — and never let his convictions be diluted. He was a comrade of the people, a thorn for the corrupt, and a torchbearer of probity in public life.

He lived not to build empires, but to reclaim justice, to protect land, to elevate the poor, and to restore values in governance. His passing is not merely the end of a life; it is the sunset of a century-old legacy of tireless struggle.

In today’s world, where political compromise is the norm, V.S. Achuthanandan reminds us that one can live a life of principle, purpose, and people-first politics — and still win.

“Samaram Thanne Jeevitham” – For V.S., struggle was not a phase; it was life itself.
– A tribute from a AIMA.