Kerala Cabinet expresses condolences over V.S. Achuthanandan’s passing

The Kerala Cabinet on Thursday (July 24, 2025) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. In a detailed obituary statement, the Cabinet highlighted the late leader’s sacrifices and contributions as a freedom fighter, as a founding leader of the Communist party as well as the organiser of numerous agrarian and workers’ protests.

Achuthanandan’s political journey began through struggles against British imperialism, feudalism and casteist hegemony and later evolved into struggles against authoritarian rule and communal divisive forces. He dedicated his life to an uncompromising struggle for the protection of democratic values. His name is synonymous with the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising.

His life of more than a century, where he stood with the people and raised their issues, is inextricably linked with the history of modern Kerala. With the demise of VS, democratic progressive movements have suffered an irreparable loss. He led the struggles to end wage and caste slavery faced by agricultural workers in Kuttanad, organising them into an organised force. He intervened in various areas from environment and human rights to women’s equality and called social attention to them.

During his tenure as the Chief Minister, he led Kerala forward through several administrative measures. As Leader of the Opposition, he raised many popular issues in the House. VS is a personality who has made unparalleled contributions in the field of administration, legislative matters and the political history of Kerala, said the Cabinet note.