Thiruvananthapuram: The heart of Thiruvananthapuram turned crimson with emotion and red flags on Monday as thousands streamed into the AKG Centre to bid farewell to one of Kerala’s most beloved and unwavering political icons V.S. Achuthanandan, former Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader. The 100-year-old stalwart, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness, was laid in state for the public to pay their final tributes.
From dawn, a solemn procession brought his mortal remains from the SUT Hospital to the party’s state headquarters. The city’s roads, flanked by grieving citizens of all ages, bore witness to the immense love and respect commanded by the man fondly called “Comrade VS.” Crowds spilled over onto footpaths and traffic islands, many holding roses, red flags, and placards with quotes from his speeches.
As his body was placed for public homage inside the AKG Centre his political home emotions ran high. Many wept silently, others stood in tearful salute, and some chanted slogans celebrating his legacy: "VS is not gone, he lives in every fight for justice. He lives in our breath, in every beat of resistance."
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived shortly after noon, accompanied by senior CPI(M) leaders M.A. Baby, M.V. Govindan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s family, and several other comrades from across the state. Vijayan laid a red CPI(M) flag on VS’s chest and bowed with folded hands, visibly moved.
Party cadres, ministers, and members of the public alike stood shoulder to shoulder in silent mourning. The AKG Centre had transformed into a shrine of solidarity, adorned with flowers, flags, and photographs capturing VS’s iconic moments from leading land struggles in the 1960s to taking oath as Chief Minister in 2006.
VS’s son, Arun Kumar, stood close throughout, accepting condolences and embracing party workers who arrived from all corners of Kerala from tribal hamlets in Wayanad to coastal villages in Alappuzha.
After Monday’s viewing at the AKG Centre, the body will be taken to VS’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram for a brief private tribute. On Tuesday at 9:00 AM, the state government will honor him with a ceremonial lying-in-state at the Durbar Hall of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
From there, his final journey will begin. By Tuesday afternoon, the funeral procession will head north via National Highway to Alappuzha, VS’s birthplace and the soil where his political journey began during the historic Punnapra-Vayalar struggle. The public can pay respects once again at the CPI(M) district office in Punnapra on Wednesday morning.
The cremation, set to take place at Valiya Chudukad, is expected to be attended by thousands, including national leaders from various parties, senior Church figures, human rights activists, and citizens from all walks of life.
VS Achuthanandan’s life was one of iron will and relentless service. From a teenage typist in the early Communist movement to the fiery leader who fought for land reform, public education, and anti-corruption, he remained unbending in his principles even when politically isolated.
He was a man who survived expulsions, inner-party betrayals, and electoral defeats, only to rise again more trusted by the people than ever. His voice often trembled with age in later years, but never with fear. It remained sharp with wit, facts, and resolve until the very end.
As the crowds stood in silence at the AKG Centre, it became clear: this was not merely a farewell. It was a collective promise to carry forward the battles he fought, the causes he championed, and the truth he never compromised.
“VS may no longer walk among us,” one young attendee said, “but his footsteps are etched across Kerala. We walk in them now.”