Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPM leader V S Achuthanandan, widely regarded as one of India's most respected Communist figures, died on Monday at the age of 101. A towering presence in Kerala’s political landscape, Achuthanandan’s life spanned decades of activism, public faith, and unflinching commitment to the people’s causes.

Bold legacy: the Munnar eviction mission

One of his most memorable initiatives came on May 13, 2007, when, as Chief Minister, Achuthanandan launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in Munnar. It began with the demolition of the five-storey Summer Castle resort on Nadayar Road—barely two months into its operations. Owned by a local resident, the structure’s televised razing drew both shock and widespread public support.

The campaign soon picked up pace. By June 7, over 91 illegal structures were demolished, and 11,350 acres of encroached land were reclaimed. A particularly high-profile case was that of the Cloud Nine resort, allegedly linked to a UDF minister’s kin, which was found constructed illegally on cardamom-designated land.

Achuthanandan’s handpicked task force—K Suresh Kumar, Rishiraj Singh, and then Idukki Collector Raju Narayana Swamy—earned a reputation for effectiveness. Bypassing bureaucratic delays, they set a benchmark in land enforcement. TV channels tracked their every step as they camped in Munnar for three months, targeting resorts and unauthorised structures.

Though initially supported by the party, the mission faced turbulence after a CPI party office was razed. Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran intervened, citing legal ownership under CPI veteran P.K. Vasudevan Nair. The episode triggered dissent, with M.M. Mani, then Idukki district secretary and once a close VS aide, publicly threatening officials and switching sides.

Amid rising tensions, the team was pulled out. The mission—once hailed—succumbed to political crossfire. The contentious Ravindran Pattayams, unauthorised land titles issued by a former Devikulam official, added further complications. Legal blocks emerged, the task force disbanded, and no similar drive has taken place in Munnar since. Hundreds of acres remain encroached in Munnar and Chinnakanal.

Plachimada protest: taking on Coca-Cola

In March 2000, Coca-Cola began extracting 1 million litres of groundwater daily at its Plachimada plant. Within six months, local wells ran dry, and water turned unsuitable for household use. Residents reported skin irritation and foul odours.

Adivasi communities led resistance, backed by Ayyankali Pada and PUCL. When Coca-Cola tried to offer jobs and tanker-supplied water to calm unrest, police action followed. On the 50th day of protest, seven Adivasi women were injured in a police lathi charge.

The agitation remained largely ignored until October 2, 2002, when a Janata Dal-led public meeting brought wider attention. VS Achuthanandan visited the site with Medha Patkar and freedom fighter Siddharaj Dhadda, who renounced his Padma Bhushan in protest.

Under VS’s leadership, the state initiated an official inquiry. A committee led by Additional Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar found grave environmental damage—estimating Rs 216.16 crore in losses. Acting on this, the VS government tabled the Plachimada Tribunal Bill, unanimously passed by the Kerala Assembly on February 24, 2011.

Final imprint

Whether it was environmental protection, anti-corruption action or mass mobilisation, V S Achuthanandan left an indelible mark on Kerala’s modern political history. His principled stands and uncompromising style made him a leader unlike any other in Indian politics.