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V S: The people’s leader who carried the fire of mass movements

V S Achuthanandan

V S Achuthanandan, the veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, remains etched in the collective memory of the people as a tireless fighter for justice, equality, and the rights of the common man. From humble beginnings as a coir worker to rising through the ranks of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan embodied the spirit of people’s movements that shaped modern Kerala.

A dominant figure in Kerala politics for several decades and a founding member of the CPI(M), Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan was popularly known as VS. He was 101 years old.

He served as Kerala chief minister from 2006 to 2011, and as Opposition leader for three terms — 1991-1996, 2001-2006 and 2011-2016.

Born in 1923 in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Achuthanandan joined the Communist Party in the early 1940s when class struggles and anti-feudal agitations were sweeping across the state. His early activism during the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and relentless participation in strikes and protests marked the start of a political career that would span over seven decades.

Known for his uncompromising stance and fiery speeches, Achuthanandan became the voice of the voiceless. Whether it was the fight for land reforms, workers’ rights, or standing up against corruption and environmental exploitation, he remained steadfastly committed to the people’s causes. His grassroots connection, simple lifestyle, and unyielding integrity earned him massive public support, even among those outside party lines.

As Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, he brought a distinct focus on pro-people governance. His government initiated the demolition of illegal encroachments in Munnar, launched anti-piracy drives in the film industry, and aggressively pursued cases against land mafias. His commitment to transparency and social justice was visible in every policy he championed.

Achuthanandan was a towering leader who continued to be a moral compass in Kerala’s political landscape. His mass appeal, often evident in the large crowds that gathered wherever he spoke, reflected a deep-rooted trust people had in his leadership.

Achuthanandan’s political journey was not without challenges—both within his party and outside. Yet, his credibility remained unshaken. He stood as a rare figure who combined ideological clarity with grassroots activism, making him a true people’s leader.

V S Achuthanandan will be remembered not just as a politician but a movement in himself—an enduring symbol of the power of the people when led with conviction and courage.