Malayalis have closely followed Achuthanandan's distinct qualities even if they don't follow his hardline communist ideology. His eloquent speaking skills, unparalleled gestures, incisive language, and distinctive manner of presentation have not escaped the notice of Keralites who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. These are a few of the attributes that distinguish VS Achuthanandan from Pinarayi Vijayan.

A defining moment of empathy

During a time when the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was encountering criticism in the aftermath of the heinous political murder of TP Chandrasekharan, Achuthanandan made the resolute choice to personally visit the home of the deceased Revolutionary Marxist Party leader and offer condolence to his grieving wife, KK Rema. The picture of Rema holding VS's hand as tears rolled down her face became the iconic picture depicting the face of politics we all wished to see.

Rift within the party

In 2015, he caused a sensation by leaving the 21st state conference of the CPM held in Alappuzha, which marked the culmination of the long-standing disagreement between Pinarayi Vijayan and VS Achuthanandan. Before assuming the role of a prominent leader, Achuthanandan consistently demonstrated his adherence to moral principles, which often led to him facing criticism from within the party.

A man of principles

An illustrative example of this occurred in the late 1960s when he was demoted within the ranks for orchestrating a blood-donation campaign in support of Indian soldiers engaged in combat against the Chinese invasion, contrary to the party's official stance. However, he continued to maintain his status as the esteemed "master campaigner" and "crowd puller" for the CPM in Kerala. It is difficult to overlook the fact that no other contemporary political leader has garnered such immense support.

A life committed to public service

Achuthanandan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment throughout his illustrious five-decade-long political career. Despite facing health challenges, he has remained resolute and undeterred in his pursuit of public service until he completely withdrew from active politics a few years back.

A shifting political landscape

Significant changes have occurred in the political landscape of Kerala in his absence. The passing of the former state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, and the ensuing political controversies and allegations surrounding the Left Democratic Front government have once again placed the Communist government in a challenging position.

Additionally, the former Chief Minister and political rival of Achuthanandan, Oommen Chandy, has also passed away.

A void hard to fill

Nonetheless, it is a challenging task for even the most seasoned observer to determine whether the void created by VS is replaceable, given that the legacy he has left behind surpasses that of any other leader's accomplishments.

Humble beginnings, strong roots

A career unlike anything: Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, born on October 20, 1923, to Sankaran and Accamma at Punnapra in Alappuzha, began his political journey by organizing agricultural workers in Kuttanad.

This experience instilled in him an unwavering concern for the welfare of farmers. In 1990, when the farmers' welfare board was established, he made a resolute decision to collect only a nominal amount as 'amshadayam' (profit contribution). As a result, farmers were only required to contribute Rs 2 per month. His unwavering support for farmers was evident throughout his illustrious career.

From trade unions to the CPI

He actively participated in trade unions during the early stages of his career. In 1940, he joined the Communist Party of India (CPI). Throughout his political journey, he faced a period of imprisonment lasting five years and six months. Notably, he is the sole surviving individual from Kerala among the 32 members who departed from the CPI National Council in 1964 to establish the CPI (M).

A towering political journey

Achuthanandan held various significant positions during his political tenure. From 1980 to 1992, he served as the Kerala State Secretary of the CPI (M) and attained membership in the Politburo in 1985.

In the realm of parliamentary politics, he successfully secured election as a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1967, 1970, 1991, 2001, 2006, and 2016. Additionally, he assumed the role of opposition leader from 1992 to 1996, 2001 to 2006, and from 2011 to 2016.

Crushing defeat, stunning comeback

The state elections in 1996 were a bitter experience for him. He was projected as the chief minister candidate, and LDF won 80 seats, but unfortunately, he lost from the Mararikulam constituency by a margin of 1965 votes.

Following this, EK Nayanar, who held the position twice, became the chief minister again. However, he became the chief minister in 2006 through a stunning victory against Satheeshan Pacheni by a margin of 20,017 votes from the Malampuzha constituency.

People's champion as opposition leader

However, it was his role as opposition leader from 2001 to 2006 that really transformed him into a prominent leader among the masses. Effectively silencing his critics, Achuthanandan led numerous campaigns addressing a wide range of pressing issues, including the sexual exploitation of young girls, corruption within influential circles, and the destruction of forests.

These campaigns garnered support from a diverse array of socially conscious individuals, including human rights activists, environmental groups, and scholars.

A force behind CPM’s growth

He was an undeniable factor in the growth of CPM, and it was evident in so many instances. Even the Pinarayi Vijayan government owes much to the senior leader in uprooting UDF votes across the state through his charismatic leadership.

In the 2006 assembly polls, VS defeated Satheesan Pacheni of the United Democratic Front by a margin of 20,017 votes from the Malampuzha constituency. He was sworn in as the chief minister at the age of 82, and he became the oldest chief minister of Kerala.

Falling out over Lavalin case

He was removed from the Politburo and the central committee for his stand against current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Lavalin case in 2009.

In 2011, there was an upheaval after he was denied a seat in the polls. Protests erupted across the state, and social media were flooded with posters demanding a seat for him. With no other option, the party gave him a seat again, and he won by a margin of 25,000 votes. However, UDF regained power by a narrow margin of 68-72.

The final lap

In 2016, LDF secured a huge win with 91 seats. VS was 92 at that time, and he actively campaigned for the party with much enthusiasm. Being the most recognisable leader in the front, VS was considered for the chief minister's post. He won from Malampuzha against C Krishnakumar at a margin of 27,142 votes. However, the scenes following it were not pleasing for him as unexpectedly Pinarayi Vijayan took the helm of the state ruling.

Decline in popular support

Even after Pinarayi Vijayan became the chief minister, the party central committee expressed concerns over declining vote share.

Neither the Pinarayi government could achieve the vote share of the VS government in 2006 and 2011. In 2016, the Pinarayi government received 43.35 percent votes and would climb to 45.28 percent in 2021. Whereas, the VS-led LDF secured 48.81 percent votes in 2006.

An unyielding leader

With resolute determination and unwavering resolve, he guided the Communist Party in Kerala towards advancement. His steadfast belief in the party has prevented him from making any compromises in any circumstance.

The Munnar anti-encroachment drive, which reclaimed vast expanses of unlawfully seized land, the demolition campaign in Kochi, the anti-piracy operation, the crackdown on the lottery mafia, all of these instances served as exemplary demonstrations of his strength and determination as a leader.