Former Kerala CM and Communist Stalwart V.S. Achuthanandan Passes Away

New Delhi: Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan, who served as chief minister of Kerala between 2006 and 2011, passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (July 21). He was 101 years old.

A freedom fighter and towering leader in Kerala's communist movement, Achuthanandan was the last surviving member of the original group that split from the Communist Party of India (CPI) to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Achuthanandan had retired from public life in 2019, after a stroke. He had been in hospital since June 23 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

He had joined the CPI at the age of 18, after first becoming politically active at 16. He spent decades in the movement before becoming an MLA at the age of 44. He was elected chief minister at the age of 82. In their tweet remembering Achuthanandan, the Kerala CPI(M) said he was "an architect of Kerala’s progressive journey, a voice of the voiceless, and a lifelong champion of the working class".

Achuthanandan was also known as a rebel within the CPI(M), and was removed from the party's Politburo twice for this reason.

Several political leaders have expressed their respect for Achuthanandan after his death. "His life of struggle and unwavering dedication to the cause of the people will forever be an inspiration," the CPI(M) tweeted.

#CPIM Polit Bureau pays homage to Comrade V S Achuthanandan and dips its red banner in salutehttps://t.co/E9NMxFegYe pic.twitter.com/qZ5n6k0uVu

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) July 21, 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader K. Surendran and others too expressed their condolences.

Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (here, releasing my book "The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone" in Kerala, 2008).

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

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 21, 2025

Former Chief Minister and veteran communist leader Shri V.S. Achuthanandan’s demise marks the end of an era in Kerala politics.
His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines.
Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/L4RJvmmUGZ

— K Surendran (@surendranbjp) July 21, 2025

The CPI(M) has also extended condolences in a statement. "The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its profound grief at the death of V. S. Achuthanandan, an outstanding leader and veteran of the communist movement. V. S. Achuthanandan was a former member of the Polit Bureau. He was 101 years old.

"During his eight and a half decade long association with the Party, VS witnessed the steady growth of communist movement in Kerala. As a public speaker VS had mastered the art to communicate directly with the audience. Known for his austere lifestyle and unwavering commitment to social justice, V. S. Achuthanandan has left an indelible mark on Kerala politics. In his death, the Party and the communist movement have suffered a grievous loss," it stated.

"The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) dips its red banner in salute to V. S. Achuthanandan. It conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife, son and daughter," it added.