‘VS leaves behind a revolutionary legacy deeply etched in Kerala's political conscience’: Stalin

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday hailed the doyen of the Left movement in Kerala, V S Achuthanandan as a beloved mass leader who embodied principled politics and the spirit of public service.

On his behalf and that of the people of Tamil Nadu, the CM deputed Minister for Natural Rescources, S Regupathy, to pay homage to the departed Communist leader.

Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. The veteran leader died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.

Stalin, in a social media post said: "Comrade V S Achuthanandan leaves behind a revolutionary legacy deeply etched in Kerala's political conscience."

A beloved mass leader, lifelong communist, and former Chief Minister, he embodied principled politics and the spirit of public service, the Tamil Nadu CM said.

Further, the TN CM said: "My heartfelt condolences to his family, the @cpimspeak cadre, and the people of Kerala who mourn the loss of a true colossus.

Hon'ble @regupathymla will be paying homage on behalf of myself and the people of Tamil Nadu to the great, iconic leader. Red salute."

Andhra CM, YSRCP chief mourn death of Achuthanandan

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday condoled the death of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader VS Achuthanandan.

Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.

"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of veteran communist leader and former chief minister of Kerala, VS Achuthanandan," Naidu said in a post on 'X'.

Describing Achuthanandan's political journey as one that spanned over eight decades, Naidu said it reflected a steadfast commitment to his ideals and public service. "May his soul rest in peace," he added.

Similarly, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a statement, mourned Achuthanandan's death, stating, "Kerala's political sphere has lost a great leader."

Reddy said Achuthanandan's courage, dedication, and love for the people would remain etched in their hearts. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the veteran Marxist leader's family and admirers.

Odisha CM Majhi condoles Achuthanandan's demise

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, state CPI(M) secretary Suresh Pujari and several politicians on Monday condoled the death of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan.

Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist leaders, died at the age of 101.

He breathed his last in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest nearly a month ago.

He served as Kerala's chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state Assembly seven times.

Taking to X, Majhi said, "Saddened to hear about the demise of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan. Heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti."

"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Kerala CM and veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan. He was a towering figure in Kerala politics and will be remembered for the grassroots connect and dedication to serve the people. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and followers in the hour of grief. #OmShanti," Patnaik said in a social media post.

The CPI(M) Odisha state committee, in an official statement, paid tribute to Achuthanandan, saying, "We pay our heartfelt tributes to his enduring legacy and offer our deepest condolences to his bereaved family."

State secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy added that, in line with the party politburo's directive, the CPI(M) Odisha unit will observe three days of mourning, during which the party flag will be flown at half-mast.(Agencies)