Former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan passes away at 101

VS Achuthanandan, one of Kerala’s most respected Communist leaders and a former Chief Minister, passed away at the age of 101 in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, July 21. He had been in the ICU at SUT Hospital since June 23 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Achuthanandan was the last living leader from the original group that split from the Communist Party of India in 1964 to form the CPI(M). He joined the Communist movement before turning 18 and remained active in politics for nearly 80 years.

Who was VS Achuthanandan?

Born in Punnapra, Alappuzha, he was inspired by coir workers and freedom fighters. In 1946, he took part in the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt against the Travancore Dewan. He survived a police attack and was jailed several times during his early political life.


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He became an MLA at 44 and went on to serve three terms as the Leader of the Opposition. He was elected from the Mararikulam constituency for almost 20 years. In 2006, at the age of 82, he became the Chief Minister of Kerala.

As an opposition leader, Achuthanandan fought against forest land grabs, illegal lottery scams, and police violence against Adivasi communities. He also stood with protestors in Plachimada against the Coca-Cola plant.

During his time as Chief Minister (2006–2011), he led key development projects such as:

• Vallarpadam transhipment terminal in Kochi
• Technopark in Kollam
• Foundations for Kochi Metro and Kannur airport