How Did PM Modi Honor the Legacy of CPI-M Veteran V.S. Achuthanandan?

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first prominent figures to express his condolences for V.S. Achuthanandan, a revered leader of India's Communist movement, who sadly passed away at a private hospital on Monday at 3:20 p.m.

Achuthanandan, who lived to be 101 years old, was honored posthumously by the Kerala Government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, which declared Tuesday a public holiday to pay tribute.

PM Modi shared a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister Shri V.S. Achuthanandan Ji. His lifetime commitment to public service and the advancement of Kerala will always be remembered. I cherish our discussions during our tenures as Chief Ministers of our states. My condolences go out to his family and supporters during this difficult time.”

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, remarked, “Endearingly referred to as 'V' by both allies and opponents, Achuthanandan was the last surviving figure among the founding leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), established in 1964 following a split from the CPI.”

Achuthanandan had been fighting for his life for over a month after experiencing a cardiac arrest at his son’s home in the state capital on June 23. He had remained on ventilator support in the ICU since then.

On Monday evening, a procession accompanied by Chief Minister Vijayan and a large convoy transported Achuthanandan's body to the former headquarters of the CPI-M, the AKG Centre, where the public could pay their last respects.

Vijayan remarked that Achuthanandan would be remembered as a champion for the people throughout his life. “With his passing, we witness the end of an era, marking a profound loss for society, given his relentless fight for the rights of the people. His contributions as a party leader, legislator, and Chief Minister will be forever cherished. His legacy as a trade union leader will not be forgotten,” Vijayan added.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan praised Achuthanandan for establishing himself as one of the most significant political figures in the state through his initials, VS.

Former Defence Minister and Congress veteran A.K. Antony also visited the bustling AKG Centre to pay his tributes.

In 2001, while Antony served as Chief Minister and Achuthanandan was the Leader of Opposition, the two frequently clashed during assembly sessions.

Maria Oommen, previously targeted by Achuthanandan in the Assembly, paid her respects on social media, stating, “Rest in peace, comrade.”

M.V. Govindan, the CPI(M) state secretary, updated the media regarding the funeral arrangements following Achuthanandan's death.

“The body will be transferred to the AKG Centre, his political stronghold for decades. Subsequently, it will be taken to his home in Thiruvananthapuram. On Tuesday morning, it will lie in state at the Secretariat Durbar Hall for public homage. Later in the afternoon, it will be transported to his hometown in Alappuzha,” he specified.

“On Wednesday, his remains will be kept at the CPI(M) district office in Alappuzha, with the funeral scheduled at the Valiyachudukad cremation ground,” he added.

Following the announcement of his passing, CPI(M) party flags statewide were lowered to half-mast, and black flags were displayed in mourning.