Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Chief Minister and legendary Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on Monday afternoon at the age of 101. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had been under intensive care since suffering a cardiac arrest on June 23.
Achuthanandan had been critically ill for over a month and remained on ventilator support in the ICU. A special medical board, in coordination with hospital staff, oversaw his treatment. Dialysis was briefly suspended during his prolonged illness. His son-in-law, a doctor, had administered CPR at home before he was rushed to the hospital.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan visited the hospital to console the family and consult with doctors. Several political leaders also arrived to pay their respects to the towering figure in Kerala’s political history.
Since stepping down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission in January 2021, Achuthanandan had been living with his children in Thiruvananthapuram, while his Alappuzha home remained closed.
Achuthanandan played a pivotal role in shaping Kerala’s political narrative. As Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2006, he was a relentless critic of the A.K. Antony-led UDF. His image as a principled leader resonated with the public, earning him respect across party lines.
He led the LDF to victory in 2006 and served as Chief Minister until 2011. His leadership style, marked by integrity and simplicity, left an indelible mark on Kerala politics.
His death signals the end of an era rooted in ideological clarity, grassroots activism, and lifelong public service.