Tributes Flow for Veteran Indian Communist Leader VS Achuthanandan

VS Achuthanandan's funeral is set for Wednesday, amid massive public tribute to his enduring impact on Kerala politics.

Thousands of mourners have filled the streets to pay their respects to veteran Indian communist leader VS Achuthanandan, whose funeral is scheduled for Wednesday. Known affectionately as VS, he passed away on Monday at the venerable age of 101. A pivotal figure in India's political landscape, he was a founding member of the nation's largest communist party and notably served as the chief minister of Kerala.

Over the last few days, the outpouring of grief and admiration has been evident as thousands gathered to honor one of Kerala's most significant political leaders. Despite facing extreme economic hardship and police brutality in his youth, Achuthanandan rose to prominence, notably dedicating his life to championing the rights of the underprivileged. His funeral will take place near Alappuzha, his hometown, with full state honors. MA Baby, general secretary of Achuthanandan's party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), highlighted him as “the epitome of struggle,” noting his lifelong commitment to social justice.

Kerala's current chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also from CPI(M), praised Achuthanandan as an "inexhaustible well of inspiration and history." He was revered for more than just his tenure as chief minister; he was the leader of the opposition three times and spent over two decades as a member of CPI(M)'s Politburo. His appeal amongst Indian communists is comparable to that of Jyoti Basu, co-founder of CPI(M) and long-serving chief minister of West Bengal.

Achuthanandan's humble beginnings shaped his character and approach to politics. Orphaned by the age of 11 and having to start working at a young age, he became politically active as a teenager, joining the undivided Communist Party at 17. He organized agricultural workers in Travancore amid British colonial rule. Former Kerala chief minister AK Antony recalled being captivated by Achuthanandan's speeches during his own school days in the 1960s, indicating the leader's profound impact on generations.

His historical activism included leading a revolt against state authorities in 1946, which led to the deaths of many communists. Arrested and tortured, Achuthanandan spent five years in prison as a testament to his commitment to the cause. His advocacy ranged from labor and land rights to education and environmental issues.

Despite being a staunch communist, Achuthanandan was known for his independence within the party, famously meeting the widow of a slain party member whose murder highlighted deep conflicts within CPI(M). His political struggles often led to attempts to sideline him, but public pressure brought him back to the forefront, leading to his role as chief minister from 2006 to 2011.

After suffering a stroke in 2019, Achuthanandan retired from public life, choosing to live with his son in Thiruvananthapuram. His life story of resilience and commitment to the rights of the marginalized will continue to resonate within the political fabric of Kerala and beyond.