Kerala Unites to Bid Emotional Farewell to V.S. Achuthanandan

Quick Summary

• Crowds in Kerala gathered on Tuesday to grieve and bid farewell to V.S. Achuthanandan, former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader, who passed away on Monday.
• His funeral procession traveled from the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha, with massive participation from people across all demographics.
• The procession made slow progress due to large numbers of mourners lining the streets; only 10 kilometers were covered in five hours.
• Women highlighted his contributions like pushing for justice for sexual assault survivors and passing the 50% reservation Bill for women in local bodies during his tenure.
• Young attendees countered narratives calling him “the last communist” by emphasizing inspiration derived from his ideals.
• Prominent figures including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) leaders, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, political party representatives, trade union leaders, and artists paid respects at the Durbar Hall before the body continued its journey on a modified KSRTC bus-hearse.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The overwhelming turnout at V.S. Achuthanandan’s final procession underscores not just personal admiration but also deeper respect for his contributions to Kerala’s sociopolitical landscape. His tenure is remembered for progressive governance initiatives like championing women’s portrayal through legislative reforms-initiatives that have had lasting impacts on local governance structures. The participation of young people reflects how ideological values transcend generational divides.Achuthanandan’s life trajectory mirrors Kerala’s evolution into a progressive state rooted strongly in its rejection of feudal oppression through leftist ideology.However, labeling him as “the last communist” minimizes broader ongoing ideological currents within India that continue influencing policies and politics today. His legacy serves as a reminder of how enduring leadership focused on inclusion resonates widely across diverse communities.

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image Caption: Funeral procession through Thiruvananthapuram city honoring former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan | Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran