New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) The Congress on Monday condoled the passing away of former Kerala chief minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, with Rahul Gandhi hailing him as a champion of the poor and the marginalised who upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions.
Achuthanandan, one of India’s most respected Communist figures and a key presence in Kerala’s political history, died on Monday at the age of 101.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said ideological differences aside, Achuthanandan’s steadfast commitment to his principles earned him respect as a crusader for democracy.
“My deepest condolences on the passing of former Kerala Chief Minister Comrade V S Achuthanandan, who spent decades in public life,” Kharge said in a post on X.
“Ideological differences aside, his steadfast commitment to his principles earned him respect as a crusader for democracy, public welfare and environmental issues,” he added.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow comrades,” Kharge said.
Gandhi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Achuthanandan, a tireless voice for justice and democracy.
“A champion of the poor and the marginalised, he upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions — especially on issues of environmental and public welfare,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
“My condolences to his family, comrades, and admirers,” he added.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, “My heartfelt condolences to the family of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V S Achuthanandan, and to all who were touched by his life and work.” “His contribution to Kerala and to the nation will be respected and remembered for years to come,” she said.
The veteran leader died at 3:20 pm while undergoing treatment in the critical care unit of the Pattom SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, according to an official bulletin issued by the hospital.
Achuthanandan was receiving treatment since June 23, following a cardiac arrest.
A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan was a lifelong champion of workers’ rights, land reforms and social justice.
He served as Kerala’s chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state Assembly seven times, serving three terms as the leader of opposition. PTI ASK RC
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.