Why Are Political Leaders Visiting Ailing Achuthanandan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders visited Achuthanandan in the hospital.
- Achuthanandan has shown slight improvement in his health.
- He was hospitalized after a suspected cardiac arrest.
- His political legacy continues to influence Kerala's political landscape.
- Support from across party lines reflects his respect and impact.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 (NationPress) Notable political figures, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, gathered on Tuesday to pay their respects to veteran CPI-M leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, currently hospitalized in a private facility.
The Chief Minister took a moment to meet with Achuthanandan's family at the hospital before departing.
Shortly thereafter, a medical bulletin was released, indicating that Achuthanandan, who is in the intensive care unit, has experienced a slight improvement in his condition.
The 101-year-old leader was admitted on Monday after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from his son-in-law, a physician, following a suspected cardiac arrest at home.
Other prominent figures who visited Achuthanandan include CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswan, and various others.
The State Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar is closely monitoring Achuthanandan's health and is anticipated to visit him soon.
Since stepping down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Committee in January 2021, Achuthanandan has been residing with his son or daughter in the state capital, while his home in Alappuzha remains unoccupied.
During his tenure as the Leader of Opposition from 2001-2006, Achuthanandan was a vocal critic of the A.K. Antony administration.
He garnered significant support from non-political voters, helping the CPI-M-led LDF secure victory in the 2006 Assembly elections, leading to his tenure as Chief Minister.
Achuthanandan also spearheaded the LDF in the 2011 Assembly elections, coming close to a consecutive term, but ultimately, the UDF led by Oommen Chandy narrowly clinched victory with a slim margin (72 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly).