'Champion of poor, marginalised': Congress condoles Achuthanandan's demise

New Delhi | 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.

CPI pays tributes to former Kerala CM Achuthanandan

New Delhi | The CPI expressed condolences on Monday on the passing of veteran Communist leader and former Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanandan.

In a statement shared on X, Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja said with Achuthanandan's demise at the age of 101, an era in India's Left and democratic movement comes to a close.

"Comrade Achuthanandan's political journey, spanning more than eight decades, stands as a testament to unwavering commitment to the ideals of socialism, secularism, and people's rights," Raja said.

He said Achuthanandan was widely respected across party lines and by the people of Kerala.

"The CPI pays homage to Comrade V S Achuthanandan's eventful life and legacy. His principled life, simplicity, and dedication to the people will remain an inspiration to the coming generations," Raja said.

"The CPI extends its deep condolences to his family, friends, admirers and to the CPI(M)," he added.

Achuthanandan, one of India's most-respected Left leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101, Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary M V Govindan said.

The veteran leader died in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest.