Mumbai: Kerala mourns the death of Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, a stalwart of Indian leftist politics and one of the last remaining giants of a bygone era. At 101, Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of a chapter not only in Kerala’s political history, but also in the broader story of Indian democratic life. As the state lowers its flags and millions pay their respects, it is evident that Kerala has lost more than just a former Chief Minister; it has lost a conscience keeper, a man of unwavering integrity, and a rarity in today’s politics.
From hardships to the pinnacle of politics
Born in 1923 in Alappuzha to a humble family, Achuthanandan’s early years were filled with hardship. Orphaned at a young age, he worked as a tailor’s apprentice before becoming a full-time worker for the Communist Party. He rose from the grassroots, with his political awareness closely linked to the trade union movement and agrarian struggles of pre-Independence Kerala. With limited formal education, he taught himself through party study classes and later became one of the Communist Party of India’s most articulate leaders.
Achuthanandan was a founding member of the CPI(M) after the historic 1964 split in the Communist Party. Over the next five decades, he became a symbol of the party’s ideological steadfastness and moral clarity. He was jailed during the emergency and remained active even when denied electoral opportunities. His long years in the opposition earned him the tag of a ‘perpetual rebel’ within the assembly, the party, and against the system when it erred.
Chief Minister at 83
Yet, as Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011, Achuthanandan left an indelible mark. At 83, he led the Left Democratic Front to a decisive victory, driven mainly by his popularity. His tenure was characterised by a fight against corruption, land encroachments, and a firm stance on social justice. His government launched the historic Munnar eviction drive, reclaiming illegally held lands from resorts and real estate mafias, a bold and controversial act, yet widely praised.
He championed the cause of the ordinary citizen, most notably in the fight against the real estate lobby, sand mafia, and even within his party when he felt ideals were being compromised. His image, being that of a lean man in simple white mundu and kurta, walking briskly with files tucked under his arm, became a symbol of hope for many Keralites disillusioned by the decadence of modern politics.
Achuthanandan also left a lasting legacy in the IT sector, facilitating the growth of Technopark and taking steps to promote free software. His government promoted transparency, environmental conservation, and improved governance. Even after stepping down from the Chief Minister’s post, he remained active in public life, later serving as the first Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission of Kerala.
Dared to dissent
Perhaps more than his policies and politics, it was his moral standing that made him special. In an age where political loyalty often came at the cost of public accountability, Achuthanandan stood apart. He dared to dissent, questioned his own party’s decisions, and was not afraid of electoral setbacks. His sharp speeches, caustic wit, and occasional outbursts made him a media favourite, but they always carried a kernel of truth.
Kerala’s political landscape is deeply polarised, yet Achuthanandan remained respected across party lines. His death is being mourned not only by the Left but by ordinary citizens who saw in him a symbol of old-world integrity, a Gandhian-like presence within a Marxist framework. In an age when ideology often gives way to convenience, and power is preferred over principle, Achuthanandan reminded us of what politics could be and what it once was.
As his mortal remains lay in state for the public to pay their respects, Kerala bowed its head not just to a leader, but to an era that left with him. Achuthanandan’s life was a rare blend of struggle, conviction, and public service, and it will echo through the conscience of the state for generations to come.
Goodbye, comrade. Kerala may not see the likes of you again.
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Achuthanandan Photo credit-X/Chandrababu Naidu (source: IANS)
Funeral photo credit: IANS
