Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26 (NationPress) In a remarkable shift from its longstanding ideological principles, the CPI(M) has made the decision to embrace the Padma Vibhushan awarded posthumously to the iconic party leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, V.S. Achuthanandan.

This move signifies a rare change for the party, which has traditionally turned down state honors, maintaining that Communists do not seek or accept accolades from the ruling powers.

The Padma awards were announced on Sunday, highlighting V.S. Achuthanandan among eight distinguished Malayalis chosen for these esteemed civilian recognitions this year.

Following the announcement, Achuthanandan’s family expressed their gratitude for the decision.

His son, Arun Kumar, remarked that the award is a significant honor that recognizes his father’s extensive public service and denotes national acknowledgment for his contributions to both Kerala and Indian politics.

There had been much speculation regarding whether the CPI(M) would uphold its tradition of rejecting such honors or adapt its stance, especially considering the posthumous nature of the recognition.

On Monday, any uncertainty was dispelled when CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan confirmed the party's intention to accept the Padma Vibhushan awarded to Achuthanandan.

This decision holds particular importance in light of the party’s history.

During the tenure of the Narasimha Rao government, the eminent Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in accordance with party policy.

In 1996, when the United Front government contemplated honoring the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Jyoti Basu, with the Bharat Ratna, both Basu and the CPI(M) preemptively communicated that such an honor would not be accepted, resulting in the proposal being abandoned.

Similar stances were observed with Harkishan Singh Surjeet and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who turned down the Padma Bhushan in 2022.

Party insiders argue that previous rejections stemmed from the belief that Communists strive for social transformation rather than accolades, with state honors seen as recognition from the ruling establishment.

However, the leadership seems to have interpreted Achuthanandan’s situation differently, acknowledging his significant influence in Kerala politics and the posthumous nature of the honor.

V.S. Achuthanandan, one of the most recognized mass leaders of the CPI(M), remains a figure who transcends party affiliations.

The choice to accept the Padma Vibhushan is viewed as a recognition of his enduring legacy and a potential turning point in the party's approach to state honors.

Achuthanandan passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101 years.