Thousands Gather to Bid Farewell to Former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan

Quick Summary

• The mortal remains of former Kerala Chief Minister and Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan arrived at his Velikkakathu house in Paravur,Alappuzha,on July 23,2025.
• Thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran leader, with many arriving from distant places sence the previous evening.
• The cortege took over 22 hours to travel approximately 150 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Paravur, drawing large crowds along the route.
• Key locations passed by the procession included Kareelakulangara, Nagiarkulangara, Haripad, Thottappally, and T.D. Medical College junction in Alappuzha district.
• After reaching his home in Paravur for public homage, the body will be moved to CPI(M) district commitee office and then placed at Recreation Ground for viewing by more mourners.
• The funeral will take place with full State honours at Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs’ Memorial in valiya Chudukkad later in the evening. He will be laid to rest near other notable communist leaders such as P. Krishna Pillai and K.R. Gouri.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The passing of V.S. Achuthanandan marks a significant moment for Kerala’s political landscape as he was not only a two-time Chief Minister but also an enduring symbol of India’s communist movement. His ability to connect deeply with ordinary citizens is evident from the thousands who turned out despite logistical challenges posed by long distances and time constraints.The public reverence shown is a reminder of his legacy as a mass leader dedicated to social justice initiatives throughout his career within CPI(M). Politically speaking, this event may encourage reflection within Kerala’s upcoming leadership tiers about preserving ideological principles while navigating modern realities.

For India broadly-especially states influenced by leftist ideologies-Achuthanandan’s life highlights how local governance can effectively influence regional identity without succumbing entirely to national-level homogenization trends.

Read more: V.S. Achuthanandan: Comprehensive coverage on former Kerala CM’s life