PM Modi shares condolence, Tharoor calls him ‘mass leader’ as VS dies at 101

Political leaders across party lines reacted to VS Achuthanandan’s death and shared their condolences.

V S AchuthanandanV S Achuthanandan died in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday at the age of 101. (Facebook)
4 min readNew DelhiJul 21, 2025 07:07 PM IST First published on: Jul 21, 2025 at 05:47 PM IST

Founding member of the CPI(M) and former Kerala chief minister Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan died at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Popularly known as Comrade VS or just VS, Achuthanandan was 101 years old.

Political leaders across party lines reacted to his death and shared their condolences.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and wrote, “Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri VS Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour.”

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Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in a post from the official X handle, wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri VS Achuthanandan, veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala.  A true grassroot level leader who remained steadfast in his ideals. His contributions to society and the State’s politics will always be remembered.”

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shahi Tharoor also took to X and wrote, “Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan…A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, “VS” rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006-11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!”

Tharoor also shared a 2008 photograph of Achuthanandan releasing the Congress MP’s book ‘The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone’ in Kerala.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the demise of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan. Taking to X, Majhi said, “Saddened to hear about the demise of former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan. Heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti.”

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K Sunderan, the former state president of Kerala BJP said Achuthanandan’s death “marks the end of an era in Kerala politics”. He added, “His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines.”

Kavitha Kalvakuntla, BRS MLC of Kamareddy and Nizamabad, Telangana said, “His (Achuthanandan’s) unwavering commitment to public service will be remembered forever.” She added, “Saddened by the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader VS Achuthanandan garu… My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers.”

(With agency inputs)

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