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From a trade unionist to the CPI(M) secretary, VS Achuthanandan went on to become the chief minister of Kerala at the age of 83
CPI-M veteran leader VS Achuthanandan initiating a child into the world of letters at the ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony, which marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival, is considered an auspicious occasion for children being introduced to learning in Kerala. (Image: PTI)
Received with great love and revolutionary slogans wherever he went, former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan was everyone’s favourite comrade. Youngsters called him their “eye and heart”, and though he rose from a life of intense struggle, his pro-people attitude made him a mass leader and a big crowd puller for the CPI(M).
Anti-corruption icon, crusader for land and farmer rights, uncompromising stand on women’s issues, a longstanding but now resolved feud with colleague Pinarayi Vijayan, and expelled from the Politburo for not toeing the party line and telling the truth – there were many sides to Velikakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan and pivotal moments that shaped him as a leader not only dear to his peers but close to the hearts of the people of Kerala.
Achuthanandan, who died at the age of 101 at a private hospital in Thiruvanthapuram, was known to have lived a life full of struggles after he lost his mother at the tender age of four and then his father at 11. He started as a tailor and, later, worked at a coir factory.
Achuthanandan began his political career at a young age by organising farmers, especially in Kuttanad area of Alappuzha district. From a trade unionist to the CPI(M) secretary, he went on to become the chief minister of Kerala. He was also subjected to severe police torture during the course of his political career.
When he became the CM in 2006, he was 83 years old but age was never a hindrance for him. He was a skilled orator known for his peculiar singsong speech style. In his 90s, too, he campaigned extensively across the state for his party and candidates. A seven-time MLA, he held the position of opposition leader thrice in the state assembly.
Some of the issues he took up include the Palmolive corruption case and Idamalayar case, in which former minister R Balakrishnapillai was jailed, making it the only one in Kerala where a former minister was convicted for corruption.
He was one among 32 members who walked out of the CPI council in 1964 and formed the CPI(M), which has now lost all its founding members. He was admitted to the hospital on June 23 after a heart attack. But a stroke put him out of action five years ago.
Achuthanandan’s mortal remains will be taken to AKG Centre, where the public will be able to pay their respects. Later in the night, he will be taken to his residence in Thiruvanthapuram and his mortal remains will be kept at the secretariat durbar hall on Tuesday (July 22).
After this, his remains will be taken to his hometown in Alappuzha in a procession from Thiruvanthapuram. His cremation will take place on July 23.
Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported on floods …Read More
Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported on floods … Read More
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Thiruvananthapuram, India, India
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