Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who died on Monday at the age of 101.
Achuthanandan breathed his last at 3:20 p.m. at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had been undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest he suffered nearly a month ago.
Reacting to the news, Chief Minister Majhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Saddened to hear about the demise of former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan. Heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti.”
Widely regarded as one of the tallest figures in India’s leftist political movement, Achuthanandan was the last surviving founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which was established in 1964 after a significant split from the original Communist Party of India (CPI). His departure from the CPI alongside fellow comrades marked a key ideological turning point in the country’s communist politics.
Known affectionately as “VS,” the veteran leader was admired for his firm stance on land reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and his lifelong dedication to the cause of the working class. He served as the eleventh Chief Minister of Kerala and remained a respected voice across the political spectrum.
He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. Following the announcement of his death, CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary M.V. Govindan briefed the media regarding funeral arrangements, which are expected to witness a large turnout of political leaders, supporters, and admirers.
