VS Achuthanandan dies at 101: When the former Kerala CM’s ‘dog’ remark about an NSG martyr shocked India after 26/11

VS Achuthanandan Death News: Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan passed away on Monday at the age of 101. He was hospitalised last Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his son's home. As the state mourns the loss of one of its most prominent political figures, many remember the controversies that marked his long career, none more debated than his remark following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The remark that triggered national outrage

Days after the terror strike in Mumbai, Achuthanandan faced sharp criticism for a comment he made while visiting the family of NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed during anti-terror operations. The Chief Minister had travelled to Bengaluru to offer condolences but was turned away by the martyr’s father, K Unnikrishnan.

Speaking to the media after the incident, Achuthanandan said, “If it had not been (Major) Sandeep’s house, not even a dog would have glanced that way.” The statement, made in response to the snub from the grieving father, was widely condemned across the political spectrum and on social media.

A father’s grief and a government’s delay

Major Sandeep’s father, visibly upset by the delay in response from Kerala’s political leadership, said he did not want politicians visiting under “compulsion and duress.” He felt the Kerala government had failed to adequately acknowledge his son’s sacrifice.

While the Karnataka Chief Minister visited the family early on, there was no immediate outreach from Kerala leaders. Achuthanandan’s visit came only after public and media pressure mounted, prompting accusations of political apathy.

In his defence, Achuthanandan had said, “Is there a rule that the chief ministers of Kerala and Karnataka should be there at the same time?” But it was his next line — referencing “not even a dog” — that ignited a storm, seen by many as disrespectful to the martyr and his grieving family.

Political fallout and public anger

The backlash was swift. Opposition parties in Kerala accused the state government of dishonouring a soldier who was a native of the state. Public sentiment also turned against Achuthanandan, forcing the administration to issue clarifications.

K Unnikrishnan, while explaining his reaction, said he was in a fragile mental state and did not intend to disrespect anyone. He maintained that his son would not have wanted recognition under political pressure, stating, “Sandeep was not a regional or national figure — he was universal.”

A leader remembered for his legacy and missteps

Achuthanandan, one of the tallest leaders in Kerala’s political history, led several movements and held the Chief Minister’s post from 2006 to 2011. But for many, his controversial remark during a moment of national grief remains a sharp footnote in an otherwise impactful career.

His passing today marks the end of an era, reviving memories both of his leadership and the moments that challenged it.