The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed profound grief at the death of V S Achuthanandan, a veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala. Achuthanandan passed away on Monday afternoon in Thiruvananthapuram after a prolonged illness at the age of 101.
Achuthanandan, who had a life of struggle and commitment, joined the Communist Party in 1940 at the age of 17. Fondly called VS, he was an able organiser who spearheaded various struggles in Kerala. He played a crucial role in organising coir workers and agricultural workers in Kuttanad.
He served as the Kerala Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 and was a seven-time MLA and Leader of Opposition for two terms. He was known for his austere lifestyle and commitment to social justice.
The CPI(M) Polit Bureau said it salutes Achuthanandan’s contributions to the communist movement and conveyed condolences to his family.