Catholic bishops pay tributes to communist leader in India’s Kerala
KCO Staff - July 2025
V. S. Achuthanandan, a former chief minister and veteran Marxist leader, died at the age of 101.
Catholic bishops in southern India’s Kerala state have expressed sorrow at the demise of former state chief minister and veteran communist leader V. S. Achuthanandan, who died on July 21, aged 101.
“His demise marks the end of an era in the state's political landscape,” stated the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) in a statement soon after his death.
The bishops acknowledged Achuthanandan’s significant contributions to the state, particularly his “unwavering commitment to social justice and the welfare of the marginalized.”
He was a prominent voice “against corruption and championed various environmental causes throughout his long public life,” they said.
Achuthanandan served as state chief minister from 2006 to 2011, and initiated several initiatives to improve the lives of ordinary people.
“Achuthanadan was a down-to-earth leader who always stood for the ordinary masses,” said Father Thomas Tharayil, the spokesperson for the bishops' council.
The priest said that the communist leader was not only "very upright but also steadfast in addressing issues of public concerns."
“His relentless fight for justice earned him respect across the political divide and among different communities, including religious,” Tharayil told UCA News.
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, head of the Eastern rite Syro-Malabar Church based in the state, in a separate statement, called Achuthanadan “a great Communist leader who was the last among the founding members of the Communist Party of India-Marxist in the state.”
He credited the departed leader with having “played a very crucial role in shaping the Left party in India.”
The prelate stated that Achuthanandan’s long and dedicated public life exemplified selfless service aimed at uplifting the marginalized and ensuring the welfare of all sections of society.
He also recalled the former chief minister’s contributions to land reforms, environmental protection, and various development initiatives that significantly shaped the modern history of the state.
In his eight-decade-long political career, the communist leader emerged as a “leader of the common man who connected with the masses, transcending political divides and maintaining his unwavering dedication to his principles,” Thattil added.
Besides serving as the chief minister, Achuthanandan also held the positions of state secretary of the Left party from 1980 to 1992 and convener of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) from 1996 to 2000.
The LDF is an alliance of left-wing political parties led by the CPI (Marxist) in Kerala, which currently governs the state.
He is also known as the longest-serving leader of the opposition in the Kerala state assembly, having served three stints (1991-1996, 2001-2006, and 2011-2016).
(Courtsey: ucannews.com).
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