VS Achuthanandan Age, Wife, Controversy, Cause of Death, Family, Biography

Who is V.S. Achuthanandan?

Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, fondly known as Comrade VS, was a towering figure in Indian politics, revered as a champion of the masses and a stalwart of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). Born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala, he lived a remarkable 101 years until his passing on July 21, 2025, due to cardiac arrest complications. As the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala (2006–2011) and a founding member of CPI(M), Achuthanandan’s legacy is etched in his relentless fight for workers’ rights, land reforms, and anti-corruption causes. His life, spanning eight decades of public service, reflects an unyielding commitment to social justice, earning him the title of “Kerala’s Fidel Castro” and “People’s Achuettan” (elder brother).

Early Life and Struggles

Achuthanandan’s journey began in humble circumstances. Born into a poor family of agricultural laborers, he faced profound loss early on his mother, Accamma, died when he was 4, and his father, Sankaran, passed away by the time he was 11. These tragedies forced him to drop out of school after the 7th standard, thrusting him into the workforce at a young age. He toiled in his brother Gangadharan’s tailoring shop and later as a coir factory worker, twisting coconut fibers into rope. These experiences shaped his empathy for the working class, laying the foundation for his lifelong activism.

• Born: October 20, 1923, Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala
• Education: Completed 7th standard; self-taught through reading and political engagement
• Early Jobs: Tailoring assistant, coir factory worker
• Influences: Inspired by Communist leader P. Krishna Pillai; joined CPI in 1940 at age 17

By his teens, Achuthanandan was drawn to the burgeoning Communist movement in Kerala. At 15, he participated in trade union agitations, and by 1939, he joined the Travancore State Congress, formally entering the Communist Party of India (CPI) a year later. His early exposure to injustice fueled his resolve to uplift the underprivileged, setting the stage for a storied political career.

Personal Profile

Achuthanandan’s disciplined lifestyle marked by a vegetarian diet, yoga, and daily walks contributed to his longevity. Known for his simplicity, he wore white khadi clothes and lived modestly, even as a former Chief Minister. His atheist beliefs, rooted in his Marxist ideology, contrasted with his respect for cultural traditions, such as his historic trek to Sabarimala temple in 2007.

Political Career

Achuthanandan’s political journey is a testament to his grit and dedication. Beginning in the 1930s as a trade union activist, he faced severe repression during India’s independence struggle, enduring over five years in prison and four and a half years underground. His participation in the 1946 Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, a landmark event in Kerala’s Left movement, cemented his reputation as a fearless leader. In 1964, he was among the 32 leaders who founded the CPI(M), aligning with its radical Marxist vision.

Key Milestones

• 1940: Joined Communist Party of India (CPI) at age 17
• 1964: Founding member of CPI(M)
• 1967–2016: Elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly seven times (1967, 1970, 1991, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016)
• 1980–1992: CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary
• 1992–1996, 2001–2006, 2011–2016: Leader of the Opposition
• 2006–2011: 11th Chief Minister of Kerala
• 2016–2021: Chairman, Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission

As Chief Minister, Achuthanandan focused on land reforms, environmental conservation, and promoting free and open-source software in education. His anti-corruption stance, exemplified by his crackdown on illegal land encroachments in Munnar, earned him widespread admiration. Even in his 90s, he remained a fiery orator, rallying crowds with his wit and sarcasm.

Family

Achuthanandan married K. Vasumathy in 1967, a union that lasted 58 years until his death. Vasumathy, a retired government servant, was his steadfast partner, supporting him through decades of political turbulence. The couple had two children: V. A. Arun Kumar (son) and V. V. Asha ( был daughter). Despite his demanding career, VS maintained a simple home life, enjoying routines like reading newspapers and tending to plants.

• Spouse: K. Vasumathy, married in 1967
  
  
• Children: Arun Kumar (IT professional), Asha (private citizen)
• Lifestyle: Frugal, vegetarian, disciplined; avoided alcohol and smoking
• Residence: Lived modestly in Thiruvananthapuram; no personal property

His family described him as a loving yet disciplined patriarch who kept politics out of the home. Even during the 1975–77 Emergency, when he was imprisoned for 21 months, Vasumathy held the family together, visiting him in jail. In his final years, after a 2019 stroke, Arun Kumar cared for him at their Thiruvananthapuram home.

Controversies

Achuthanandan’s outspoken nature often landed him in the spotlight. His 2008 “dog remark”—a comment made after a martyr’s family refused to meet him—sparked nationwide outrage, forcing an apology. His feud with Pinarayi Vijayan over the SNC-Lavalin case led to his temporary removal from the CPI(M) Politburo in 2009. Allegations of nepotism in 2011, involving land allotment to a relative, were quashed by the Kerala High Court, but stirred debate. His 2010 “Love Jihad” remarks also drew criticism for fueling communal narratives.

Despite these controversies, Achuthanandan’s wit and integrity shone through. Memes of his sarcastic one-liners, like “This old man is not tired yet!” at age 90, made him a social media favorite among Kerala’s youth.

Net Worth

Achuthanandan’s financial transparency was legendary. His 2016 asset declaration listed a net worth of ₹16.1 lakh (~$20,000), with ₹3,000 in cash and no personal property. His income came solely from his government salary and pension as a former Chief Minister and MLA.

• Primary Income: Government salary, later pension
• Assets: Minimal; no house or car in his name
• Lifestyle: Austere, with no endorsements or business ventures

His frugality and refusal to amass wealth set a rare example in Indian politics, reinforcing his reputation as an incorruptible leader.

Social Media Presence

His Facebook page shared updates on his health and milestones, while @VS1923 on Twitter/X posted occasional greetings. Fan-driven memes and videos kept his legacy alive online.

Lesser-Known Facts

• Sabarimala Trek: At 84, he became the first Communist CM to visit Sabarimala temple, trekking without assistance.
• Tech Advocate: Championed free and open-source software, earning praise from Richard Stallman.
• Jail Time: Spent over five years in prison and four years underground during his activism.
• Wit and Oratory: Known for sarcastic one-liners, making his speeches viral in Kerala.
• Centenarian Alertness: At 100, he stayed informed, listening to news daily.

Legacy and Final Years

In 2025, Achuthanandan’s health declined after a June 2023 cardiac arrest. He passed away on July 21, 2025, at 101, prompting statewide mourning and tributes from across India. His centenary in 2023 had been a quiet milestone, celebrated at home with dignitaries like Pinarayi Vijayan paying respects. His death marked the end of an era, as he was the last surviving CPI(M) founder.

Achuthanandan’s legacy endures in Kerala’s land reforms, anti-corruption drives, and his unwavering connection with the masses. From a coir worker to Chief Minister at 82, his life embodies resilience, integrity, and service. As Kerala reflects on his contributions, VS Achuthanandan remains a symbol of principled politics and the fight for justice.

FAQs About V.S. Achuthanandan

1. Who was V.S. Achuthanandan and why is he famous?
V.S. Achuthanandan was a veteran Indian communist leader and the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala. He co-founded the CPI(M) and became known for his integrity, bold anti-corruption stance, and grassroots connection. His policies on land reforms and social welfare left a lasting impact on Kerala.

2. When did V.S. Achuthanandan die and what was the cause?
He passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101, in Thiruvananthapuram. He had been admitted to SUT Hospital’s ICU on June 23 after suffering a cardiac arrest, and died due to complications from it after several weeks of intensive treatment.

3. What was Achuthanandan’s role as Kerala’s Chief Minister?
As Chief Minister (2006–2011), he launched anti-encroachment drives in Munnar, supported free-software adoption, fought land mafias, and implemented transparency reforms focused on social justice and accountability.

4. Was he part of any controversies?
Yes. He famously clashed with CPI(M) leadership over corruption (notably the Lavalin case), sparked public debate with outspoken comments like the 2008 remark after the 26/11 attacks, and took firm stands even when unpopular to uphold his values.

5. What made V.S. Achuthanandan different from other politicians?
His simplicity, refusal to indulge in luxury, and unwavering commitment to honesty set him apart. He valued public service over perks, often walking or using regular transport, and carried a people-first attitude throughout his career.

6. What is V.S. Achuthanandan’s legacy?
He is remembered as “Comrade VS” a symbol of clean politics, courage, and left-wing ideals. His land reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and disciplined leadership continue to inspire future generations in Kerala and across India.