Kerala Mourns Former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan with State Holiday and Three-Day Mourning Period

Thiruvananthapuram, July 21, 2025 – The Kerala government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, for all state government offices, educational institutions, including professional colleges, public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, and institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act, following the passing of veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. The 101-year-old leader died at 3:20 PM on Monday, July 21, at SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after being hospitalized since June 23 due to a cardiac arrest.

In a statement, the General Administration (Protocol) Department expressed profound grief over the demise of Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala’s political landscape and a founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). As a mark of respect, the state has also announced a three-day mourning period from July 22 to July 24, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings.

A Legacy of Struggle and Service

V.S. Achuthanandan, fondly known as “Comrade VS,” was a prominent figure in Kerala’s Communist movement, serving as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011. Born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, Alappuzha, he began his political journey in the 1940s, inspired by legendary Communist leader P. Krishna Pillai. His career spanned over eight decades, marked by his fierce advocacy for workers’ rights, land reforms, environmental conservation, and social justice. Achuthanandan was instrumental in the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946 and played a key role in implementing the Land Reforms Act in Kerala.

As Leader of the Opposition for three terms (1991–1996, 2001–2006, and 2011–2016), Achuthanandan earned widespread respect for his uncompromising stance on public causes, including campaigns for gender equality, wetland conservation, and better pay for nurses. His simplicity and integrity made him a beloved mass leader, admired across party lines.

Tributes Pour In

Condolences have flooded in from political leaders nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri V.S. Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called Achuthanandan a “beloved mass leader” whose “revolutionary legacy is deeply etched in Kerala’s political conscience.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described him as a “symbol of a vibrant tradition of struggle,” noting that his century-long life was intertwined with Kerala’s modern history.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also paid tributes, with Satheesan noting that Achuthanandan’s initials, “VS,” became synonymous with resistance and justice. CPI General Secretary D. Raja remarked that his passing marked the close of an era in India’s Left and democratic movement.

Public Homage and Final Rites

Achuthanandan’s mortal remains were brought to the AKG Research Centre and later to the Durbar Hall in the Secretariat for public homage. Thousands gathered outside the CPI(M) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram to pay their last respects. He will be cremated with full state honors in his hometown of Alappuzha on Wednesday, July 23.

Impact on Education and Public Services

Due to the holiday, all scheduled examinations in educational institutions have been postponed, and the Calicut University Students’ Union elections, originally set for July 22, have been rescheduled to July 26. Essential services and private sector operations are expected to continue as usual.

Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of an era for Kerala’s political and social fabric. His unwavering commitment to the underprivileged and his role in shaping the state’s progressive policies will continue to inspire generations.