Rajeev Chandrasekhar calls Padma Vibhushan for VS Achuthanandan a matter of pride for Malayalis

Kerala BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday said that honouring late veteran Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan with the Padma Vibhushan is a matter of great pride for all Malayalis, irrespective of political considerations.

Reacting to statements made by Achuthanandan’s son regarding the family’s decision on accepting the award, Chandrasekhar said that Achuthanandan was a “towering leader” whose contributions went far beyond party lines.

"I don’t know what the political compulsions are, but a tall leader VS Achuthanandan being honoured is a matter of great pride for all Malayalis,” he said.

Achuthanandan, a veteran CPM leader, freedom fighter and former Kerala Chief Minister, passed away on July 21, 2025. For decades, he remained a dominant figure in Kerala’s political landscape and was widely respected for his reputation for integrity, austerity and firm commitment to public causes.

The Union government recently announced the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his lifelong contribution to public service and administration. Initially, his son, V.A. Arun Kumar, acknowledged the honour as a tribute to his father’s public life.

However, in a Facebook post on Thursday, Arun Kumar said that the family would consult the CPM leadership before taking a final decision on whether to accept the award. “The love and respect shown by the people towards V.S., who stood alongside Kerala’s society for decades through people’s struggles and unwavering political positions, have always been a great source of strength for us. We view this award as an expression of respect for his public life.

“However, the movement he represented has a clear political position regarding the acceptance of such official honours. As a communist, he always firmly upheld those values and party decisions. The family’s decision in this matter will stand by my father’s ideals and the party’s stance.”