V.S. Achuthanandan passes away at 101: Former Kerala CM to be cremated with full State honours on July 23

A Century of Struggle Falls Silent: Kerala Bids Farewell to Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan at 101

The defiant spirit that powered a century of political struggle in Kerala has fallen silent. V.S. Achuthanandan, the venerable Communist leader whose life was a living archive of the state’s modern history, passed away on Monday afternoon. He was 101. The former Chief Minister breathed his last at the Government Medical College Hospital, surrounded by family and lifelong comrades, closing a chapter on an era defined by unwavering principle and a fiery commitment to the common man.

The air in the state capital feels heavier, punctuated by a profound sense of loss that transcends political allegiances. In a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service, the government announced he will be cremated with full state honours on Wednesday, July 23rd. The national flag will fly at half-mast across Kerala during a period of official mourning, a silent salute to a colossal figure.

Affectionately known simply as ‘VS’, his story was one of legendary ascent. Born into poverty in 1923, his formal education was brief, but his real schooling happened in the paddy fields, bustling factories, and jail cells of a nation finding its feet. He rose from the grassroots, becoming the voice for those who had none, fighting for land rights and wages with a passion that would define his entire career. His journey from the shadows of hardship to the Chief Minister’s office was a testament to his grit and the faith people placed in his integrity.

Tributes have been flowing in from every corner of the political spectrum, a rare unity that speaks to the immense respect he commanded. Current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, often an ideological rival within the same party, acknowledged him as "the most steadfast soldier of the Red flag," whose life would inspire generations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a "towering figure in Indian politics," noting his immense contributions to Kerala’s development.

Beyond the titles of Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, VS was remembered by those close to him as a man of profound simplicity. In an age of changing values, he remained a constant—a leader who never acquired the trappings of power, whose spartan lifestyle and direct connection with the people made him a beloved, almost mythical, figure. His sharp wit and relentless crusades against corruption earned him admirers and critics in equal measure, but never indifference.

As the sun sets over Thiruvananthapuram, the state prepares for a final farewell. His body will lie in repose, first at the CPI(M) state headquarters and later at the VJT Hall, allowing the countless lives he touched to pay their respects. The streets are expected to be lined with thousands, a silent and solemn procession for a man who was, for so many, the very conscience of Kerala. The comrade has finally laid down his tools, but the echo of his century-long struggle for justice will resonate long after the last state honour is rendered.