VS Achuthanandan: Tracing the Legacy of Kerala’s Former CM

Quick Summary

• Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101 due to age-related ailments.
• known as “VS,” he was a revered figure in Indian communist politics and an advocate for the working class.
• Born in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala, in 1923, poverty and personal hardship shaped his early life.
• Joined the Communist Party during his teenage years and became instrumental in organising land reforms and trade unions.
• Co-founded CPI(M) after the split from CPI in 1964; played a key role in shaping india’s Left political movement.
• Held office as Kerala’s Chief Minister (2006-2011) at the age of 82, where he lead initiatives like eviction of illegal encroachments and IT sector development.
• Known for battles against corruption, nepotism, and malpractices both within party lines and governance circles.

Indian Opinion Analysis

V.S. Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of an era that was not just about politics but also principles rooted deeply in class solidarity and social reform. His century-long journey encapsulated milestones such as labor movements that empowered local workers across kerala’s agrarian economy alongside landmark policies like land redistribution.His trajectory offered lessons on navigating ideological struggles-even when sidelined by factions-while maintaining unwavering dedication to clean governance.

As India grapples with complex political landscapes today involving coalition governments or asymmetrical regional dynamics compared confronting older versus emerging views!