Born in 1923, Comrade Achuthanandan began his political journey as a coir worker and trade union organiser. He was an active participant in the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, a landmark struggle of workers and peasants against feudal oppression and princely rule in Travancore. Arrested and tortured during this period, he emerged with greater resolve and went on to dedicate his life to the people’s cause.
Over the decades, he helped build and lead mass movements in Kerala for land reform, labour rights, and social justice. As Chief Minister of Kerala, he took bold steps to reclaim encroached land in Munnar, exposed the lottery mafia, and stood firm against corruption and misuse of public resources. He remained committed to secularism, public welfare, and democratic values throughout his life, and continued to support people’s struggles even in his later years.
The CPI(ML) pays tribute to Comrade Achuthanandan’s lifelong service to the people and joins the people of Kerala and the broader Left movement in mourning his passing. Red Salute to Comrade V. S!
