‘You live on through us’: Kerala says goodbye to ‘comrade VS’

Kerala Bids Farewell to a Political Giant

Kerala bids farewell to Comrade VS Achuthanandan, a leader who embodied integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to public service. As news of his passing rippled across the state, people responded with heartfelt tributes. From political allies to ordinary citizens, many expressed grief and admiration for a man who shaped the moral fabric of Kerala’s politics.

On the day of his funeral, crowds thronged the streets, waving red flags and chanting slogans that had once echoed through decades of resistance. Party workers, students, farmers, and professionals stood shoulder to shoulder—united by shared respect for a man who devoted his life to justice.

A Life Lived for the People

Born in 1923 in a modest home in Alappuzha, Achuthanandan faced hardship early in life. He lost his parents at a young age and took up work in a tailoring shop to make ends meet. But poverty never held him back. He found purpose in political activism, joining the Communist movement in the 1940s.

He championed the rights of farmers, laborers, and the marginalized throughout his career. His tireless efforts earned him the trust of people across classes and backgrounds. Whether he marched in protests or debated in the Assembly, VS remained committed to the struggles of everyday citizens.

From Protester to Chief Minister

His journey from grassroots activist to Chief Minister in 2006 symbolized more than personal success—it reflected the voice of Kerala’s working class rising to power. At 82, he became the state’s oldest CM, yet one of its most energetic. He launched a powerful anti-encroachment drive in Munnar, reclaimed illegally occupied land, and took strong stances against corruption and corporate greed.

Under his leadership, the state saw renewed investment in education, healthcare, and public welfare. He demanded transparency, even when it ruffled feathers within his own party. His decisions often stemmed from principle, not political convenience.

The People’s Comrade

VS never distanced himself from the public, even after reaching the corridors of power. People saw in him a rare authenticity—a leader who remained accessible, humble, and consistent. His speeches were fiery, yet grounded in compassion. While many leaders built walls around themselves, VS remained among the people.

Children knew him from school functions. Workers remembered him from street protests. Even critics admitted that his honesty and discipline made him stand apart.

Courage Within and Beyond the Party

What made Achuthanandan exceptional was his willingness to challenge wrongdoing, even when it came from within his own party. He wasn’t afraid to question senior leadership or call out ideological compromises. This often made him a controversial figure within CPI(M), but it also earned him immense respect outside party lines.

He pushed for action in the SNC Lavalin corruption case and criticized communal politics without hesitation. His dissent didn’t stem from rebellion—it came from conviction. Time and again, he showed that conscience mattered more than conformity.

A State in Mourning

Kerala’s farewell to VS transcended political divides. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a “towering figure in Indian politics.” Rahul Gandhi called him a “staunch democrat.” CPI(M) leaders hailed his role in shaping the modern Left in India.

Across Kerala, red flags flew at half-mast. Portraits of VS adorned street corners. Schools held special assemblies in his honor. From local radio channels to national news outlets, voices mourned a leader whose absence leaves a void not easily filled.

Legacy of Hope and Integrity

Comrade VS leaves behind more than a political legacy—he leaves behind an idea. His life showed that politics can be ethical, people-centered, and brave. He believed that governments exist to serve, not rule. That belief shaped every decision he made.

For Kerala’s youth, he remains a symbol of clean politics and courageous leadership. Party cadres still cite his discipline as a benchmark. Citizens remember him as someone who didn’t chase power but served with purpose.

His story continues in every protest for land rights, in every voice raised for justice, and in every act of resistance against inequality. “You live on through us, Comrade VS,” was not just a slogan—it was a promise.

A Final Salute

As VS Achuthanandan was laid to rest with state honors, the people of Kerala stood united in grief and pride. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on in every corner of the state. His life stands as proof that age is no barrier to action, and principles are not just ideals—but guiding lights.

Kerala didn’t just say goodbye to a former Chief Minister. It bid farewell to a conscience keeper, a fearless fighter, and a comrade who never walked away from the people.