In Pictures: V.S. Achuthanandan, Veteran CPI(M) Leader and Former Kerala CM

Rapid summary

• Date and Place: Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on July 21, 2025, at a private hospital in thiruvananthapuram. He was 101 years old.
• Health Issue & Hospitalisation: The veteran CPI(M) leader was admitted to the hospital on june 23, 2025, due to breathing difficulties.
• Political Legacy: Fondly known as “VS,” he symbolized resilience and integrity in Kerala politics. his life embodied the evolution of communist ideology in India.
• Notable Contributions:

– Advocate for underprivileged communities and relentless pursuit of anti-corruption cases like the Edamalayar case leading to convictions.
– Instrumental in introducing free software into Kerala’s school curriculum despite not having high school education.

• Public Influence: VS was known for his fiery speeches and ability to connect wiht crowds through distinctive rhetoric. Often, his defiant actions challenged party norms but enhanced public admiration for him.

Indian Opinion Analysis

V.S. Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics where ideology-driven leadership played a significant role. as one of India’s staunch communist figures, VS championed causes that uplifted marginalized groups while maintaining focus on clarity and accountability, such as his involvement in corruption cases like Edamalayar. Despite internal frictions within CPI(M), his consistent advocacy for public welfare contributed substantially both politically and socially.

His efforts toward incorporating free software into education highlight a progressive vision rooted in accessibility-a rare feat given his limited formal schooling. Politically, he represented resilience against setbacks while connecting deeply with grassroots issues through actionable governance ideals.

For Kerala-and by extension India-his legacy invites reflection on balanced policymaking guided by ethics and relevance to common citizens’ lives rather than exclusivist ideologies or political expediency.

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