V.S. Achuthanandan, the veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101. He breathed his last at 3:20 PM at SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had been under treatment for nearly a month. The official cause of death was cardiac arrest, following prolonged complications due to advanced age.
Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of a monumental era in Kerala politics. A disciplined Marxist and uncompromising public figure, he was widely respected for his personal integrity, fierce opposition to corruption, and dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Personal Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala |
| Date of Death | July 21, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 101 years |
| Place of Death | SUT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac Arrest |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Profession | Politician, Trade Unionist |
Family Details
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Sankaran |
| Mother | Accamma |
| Spouse | K. Vasumathi |
| Children | V.A. Arun Kumar (son), V.V. Asha (daughter) |
Born into a modest family in Alappuzha, Achuthanandan lost both parents early and was raised by his elder brother. Despite limited formal education, he went on to become a founding member of the CPI(M) and one of Kerala’s most influential political figures.
Cause of Death Explained
On June 23, 2025, Achuthanandan suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to SUT Hospital in critical condition. He remained in the ICU, requiring ventilator support. Over the next four weeks, his condition deteriorated due to multi-organ stress related to age. Despite continuous medical attention, he passed away on July 21, with doctors confirming cardiac arrest as the official cause of death.
Medical professionals cited that his death was primarily due to:
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Complications due to old age
- Systemic failure after extended ICU treatment
Political Career Overview
| Position | Duration |
|---|---|
| Joined Communist Movement | 1940s |
| Founding Member, CPI(M) | 1964 |
| State Secretary, CPI(M) Kerala | 1980–1992 |
| Politburo Member, CPI(M) | 1985–2009 |
| Leader of the Opposition (Kerala) | 1991–1996, 2001–2006, 2011–2016 |
| Chief Minister of Kerala | 2006–2011 |
| Chairman, Administrative Reforms Comm. | 2016–2021 |
Achuthanandan was known for his bold political stands, including:
- Eviction of illegal encroachments in Munnar
- Advocacy against Endosulfan in Kasargod
- Support for public IT infrastructure and Technopark expansion
- Taking a hard line against corruption and cronyism
He remained one of CPI(M)’s most publicly trusted faces even when sidelined by the party’s central leadership.
Estimated Net Worth
Known for his austere lifestyle, V.S. Achuthanandan maintained minimal personal assets throughout his life.
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹15 – ₹20 lakh |
| Property | Modest house in Kerala |
| Vehicles | None (used government transport) |
| Income Source | CM pension and allowances |
He consistently declared his assets publicly, maintaining a clean and transparent financial record.
Public Reaction and State Mourning
Following his death, Kerala declared a three-day state mourning, and a public holiday on July 22, 2025, to honor his contributions. Tributes poured in from all political quarters, remembering him as a symbol of honesty and people-first governance.
Leaders including the Chief Minister of Kerala, senior CPI(M) members, and national politicians expressed condolences. Flags were flown at half-mast, and thousands gathered to pay their final respects.
Final Thoughts
The death of V.S. Achuthanandan signifies not just the loss of a political leader, but the passing of a century-old pillar of integrity and ideological steadfastness in Indian politics. His life story—from a school dropout and orphan to the Chief Minister of Kerala—is a testament to resilience, public service, and commitment to justice.
Though gone, his ideals will continue to inspire generations to come.
