CPI (M) founder member and former Kerala Chief Minister Velikakathu Shankaran Achuthanandan died on Monday in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Popularly known as Comrade vs. or just vs., Achuthanandan was 101 years old.
Political leaders of party lines reacted to his death and shared his condolences.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar wrote on a post of the official X handle, “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri vs Achuthanandan, experienced leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala. A true ground level leader who remained stable in his ideals.
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. vs Achuthanandan, experienced leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala. A true ground level leader who remained stable in his ideals. His contribution in society and state politics will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/klkxojk4kj
– Kerala Governor (@Keralagovenor) July 21, 2025
Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shahi Tharoor also took for X and wrote, “Mourning the passage of former Chief Minister vs Achuthanandan … a giant of the Communist movement of Kerala,” vs “raised to become a highly popular mass leader from the” vs “humble origin and 2006–11, where he respected everyone.
Tharoor also shared a 2008 picture of Achuthanandan, releasing Congress MP ‘The Elephant, The Tiger and the Cellphone’ in Kerala.
Former Chief Minister vs. Achuthanandan (here, in Kerala, 2008, “The Elephant, The Tiger and the Cellphone”, the mourning of the passage of former Chief Minister vs Achuthanandan).
A huge, “vs” humble origin of the Communist movement of Kerala increased to become a very popular mass leader and Chief Minister … pic.twitter.com/upehl7vfeq
– Shashi Tharoor (@Shashithoor) July 21, 2025
Former state president of Kerala K.K. Sundaran said that Achuthanandan’s death “marks the end of an era in Kerala politics”. “His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues honored him in party lines,” he said.
Kavitha kalvakuntla, kamreddy and BRS MLC of Nizamabad, Telangana said, “His (Achuthanandan) unwavering commitment for public service will be remembered forever.” He said, “About the death of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran communist leader vs Achuthanandan Garu… My heartfelt condolences to my family and followers. ,
Death (T) Kerala Communist leader (T) Former Chief Minister of Kerala
