Veteran Indian Communist leader and former chief minister of the state of Kerala, V. S. Achuthanandan has passed away at the age of 101.
He died on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital following a cardiac arrest.
A towering figure in Indian politics, Achuthanandan served as Kerala’s chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and was the state’s longest-serving leader of the opposition, holding the post for a total of 15 years.
A founding member of the CPI(M) party, he played a key role in shaping Kerala’s political and social landscape over several decades.
The party paid tribute, calling him "a voice of the voiceless and a lifelong champion of the working class."
Achuthanandan's political career was marked by grassroots activism, trade union leadership, and a reputation for integrity and simplicity.
He had withdrawn from public life in 2019 following a stroke and spent his final years under care at his son’s residence.
Kerala has declared three days of state mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public institutions closed in tribute to the late leader.
A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence comes to an end with the passing of our beloved Comrade V. S. Achuthanandan. His life - an illustrious saga of struggles like Punnapra-Vayalar, leadership of toiling agricultural workers, unwavering commitment as an organiser,… pic.twitter.com/s2cFA3oc4f
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) July 21, 2025
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