V. S. Achuthanandan

{{Infobox officeholder|

| name = V. S. Achuthanandan

| birth_name = Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| image = V. S. Achuthanandan 2016.jpg

| caption = Achuthanandan in 2016

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1923|10|20|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Alleppey, Kingdom of Travancore, British India
(present day Alappuzha, Kerala, India)

| death_date =

| death_place =

| order = 11th

| office = Chief Minister of Kerala

| term_start = {{start date|2006|05|18|df=yes}}

| term_end = {{end date|2011|05|14|df=yes}}

| predecessor = Oommen Chandy

| successor = Oommen Chandy

| office1 = 4th Chairman of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission

| predecessor1 = E. K. Nayanar{{cite web|url=http://www.arc.kerala.gov.in/node/157|title=3rd Kerala ARC}}

| governor1 = {{ubl|P. Sathasivam|Arif Mohammad Khan}}

| term_start1 = {{Start date|2016|08|03|df=yes}}

| term_end1 = {{End date|2021|01|30|df=yes}}

| office4 = Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Niyamasabha

| term_start4 = {{Start date|2011|05|18|df=yes}}

| term_end4 = {{End date|2016|05|25|df=yes}}

| predecessor4 = Oommen Chandy

| successor4 = Ramesh Chennithala

| constituency4 = Malampuzha

| term_start5 = {{Start date|2001|05|17|df=yes}}

| term_end5 = {{End date|2006|05|12|df=yes}}

| predecessor5 = A. K. Antony

| successor5 = Oommen Chandy

| constituency5 = Malampuzha

| term_start6 = {{start date|1992|03|01|df=yes}}

| term_end6 = {{end date|1996|05|09|df=yes}}

| predecessor6 = E. K. Nayanar

| successor6 = A. K. Antony

| constituency6 = Mararikulam

| office7 = Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala State Committee

| term_start7 = {{start date|1980||}}

| term_end7 = {{end date|1992||}}

| predecessor7 = E. K. Nayanar

| successor7 = E. K. Nayanar

| office3 = Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)

| term_start3 = {{start date|1985|12|29|df=yes}}

| term_end3 = {{end date|2009|06|12|df=yes}}

| party = Communist Party of India (Marxist)

| office8 = Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly

| term_start8 = {{Start date|2001|df=yes}}

| term_end8 = {{end date|2021|df=yes}}

| constituency8 = Malampuzha

| term_start9 = {{Start date|1991|df=yes}}

| term_end9 = {{end date|1996|df=yes}}

| constituency9 = Mararikulam

| term_start10 = {{Start date|1967|df=yes}}

| term_end10 = {{end date|1977|df=yes}}

| constituency10 = Ambalappuzha

| spouse =

| children =

| residence = Punnapra North, Alappuzha, Kerala

| website = {{url|http://www.vsachuthanandan.in/}}

| footnotes =

| source =

}}

Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan (born 20 October 1923), popularly known by his initials V. S., is an Indian politician who was the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011. At 82, he was the oldest person to have assumed the office. He is affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He served as the chairman of Administrative reforms in Kerala with state cabinet rank from 2016 to 2021. He has served as Leader of the Opposition for 15 years which makes him the longest serving Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Achuthanandan was a member of the CPI(M) Politburo from 1985 until July 2009, when he was reverted to the Central Committee of the party owing to his ideological dispositions.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cpm-drops-vs-from-politburo-gives-pinarayi/488362/|title=CPM drops VS from Politburo|work=The Indian Express|date=12 July 2009 |access-date=29 October 2011}}

Achuthanandan initiated various actions as the Chief Minister, including the demolition drive in Munnar which claimed back acres of illegally occupied land,{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_kerala-govt-cleans-up-munnar-for-tourists_1096087|title=Kerala govt cleans up Munnar for tourists|date=10 May 2007|publisher=DNA |access-date=29 October 2011}} the demolition drive in Kochi M. G. Road which claimed back the long lost shoulder of the road, anti-piracy drive against film-piracy, his struggle against the Lottery mafia in the state. He was instrumental in convicting former minister R. Balakrishna Pillai on charges of corruption.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article1468875.ece|title=Jail for one corrupt politician|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 February 2011|access-date=29 October 2011|last1=Iyer|first1=V. R. Krishna}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1296574/|title=V.S. Achuthanandan vs R. Balakrishna Pillai on 13 May 1994| access-date=29 October 2011}} Achuthanandan also took the lead in promoting free software in the state, and especially in adopting free software in the public education system of the state.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082210770400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012174326/http://hindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082210770400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|title=Government will popularise free software, says Achuthanandan|newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 August 2006|access-date=29 October 2011}}

File:VS at NGO state meet2012 kollam.jpg]]

Early life

Born on 20 October 1923 to Sankaran and Accamma in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Travancore (part of present-day Kerala state, India), he lost his mother when he was four years old and subsequently lost his father at the age of 11. This forced him to quit his studies after finishing 7th standard in school.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=3049|title=Shri V. S. Achuthanandan, heavily Criticized by his own party for donating blood to indian soldiers during indo china war Profile|access-date=19 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403095746/http://www.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=3049|archive-date=3 April 2013}} He started working by helping his elder brother in a village tailoring shop. Later he took up the job of meshing coir to make ropes at a coir factory.{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/v-s-achuthanandan-no-movies-for-30-years-no-school-beyond-class-7-his-first-job-was-weaving-coir-mat/4413/0 |title=V S Achuthanandan: No movies for 30 years, no school beyond Class 7, his first job was weaving coir mat |work=The Indian Express |date=14 May 2006 |location=India}}{{cite web |url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/chiefm.htm |title=Profile of Achuthanandan

|publisher=Niyamasabha.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927065701/http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/chiefm.htm |archive-date=2010-09-27 |access-date=2011-11-03}}

Achuthanandan was in the forefront of the land struggles in Kerala starting with the Alappuzha declaration in 1970 demanding implementation of the Land Reforms Act passed by the EMS Government in 1967. Later his activities as the leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly had evoked good public response.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cpimkerala.org/eng/vsachuthanandan-43.php |title=V.S Achuthanandan |access-date=22 May 2013 |archive-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514112454/http://www.cpimkerala.org/eng/vsachuthanandan-43.php |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.samyukta.info/archives/vol_1_1/article/sasidharan/the%20punnapra-vayalar%20revolt%20and%20freedom%20movement.htm |title=Untitled Document |access-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514183338/http://www.samyukta.info/archives/vol_1_1/article/sasidharan/the%20punnapra-vayalar%20revolt%20and%20freedom%20movement.htm |archive-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=usurped}}

Political life

He entered politics through trade union activities and joined State Congress in 1938. In 1940, he became a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI). During his 40 years as a politician he was imprisoned for five years and six months and was in hiding for four and half years. He was a state secretariat member of the CPI in 1957.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/during-china-war-comrades-cracked-down-on-vs-for-saying-lets-give-blood-to-jawans/488983/0|title=During China war, comrades cracked down on VS for saying let's give blood to jawans|work=The Indian Express|date=14 July 2009 }} He is the only living among the 32 members who left the CPI National Council in 1964 to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist).{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala2016/kerala-assembly-polls-vvs-achuthanandan-the-man-of-the-masses/article8378248.ece|title=The man of the masses|last=Nair|first=C. Gouridasan|date=2016-03-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-04-05|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} He was the Secretary of the Kerala State Committee between 1980 and 1992. He was a member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau since 1985 until he was removed as a party disciplinary action. He is the senior most leader of CPI(M) in India.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-20|title=As VS Achuthanandan Turns 97, Communist Colossus from Kerala Remains The Quintessential Survivor|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/as-vs-achuthanandan-turns-97-the-communist-colossus-from-kerala-remains-the-quintessential-survivor-2986349.html|access-date=2021-08-12|website=News18|language=en}}

\|Election ! \|Constituency ! \|Result ! \|Margin
class="sortable wikitable"
1965 \|Ambalappuzha \|{{no2\|Lost}}	2327
1967 \|Ambalappuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	9515
1970 \|Ambalappuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	2768
1977 \|Ambalappuzha \|{{no2\|Lost}}	5585
1991 \|Mararikulam \|{{yes2\|Won}}	9980
1996 \|Mararikulam \|{{no2\|Lost}}	1965
2001 \|Malampuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	4703
2006 \|Malampuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	20017
2011 \|Malampuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	23340
2016 \|Malampuzha \|{{yes2\|Won}}	27142

Chief Minister of Kerala (2006-2011)

File:The Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. V. S. Achuthanandan meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on December 03, 2007.jpg, Manmohan Singh in New Delhi (2007)]]

During the assembly elections held in Kerala in April–May 2006, VS Achuthanandan defeated Satheesan Pacheeni of the United Democratic Front by a margin of 20,017 votes in Malampuzha constituency in Palakkad district. He was sworn in as Chief Minister of Kerala on 18 May 2006, with his 21-member cabinet. Aged 82 years and 7 months at time, he was the oldest Chief Minister of Kerala, and one of the oldest in the whole of India. It is noticeable that he had been denied a party ticket to contest elections just two months before he was sworn in. He became the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala. On 12 July 2009, the CPI(M) Polit bureau and Central Committee removed him from the PB for his stands taken in relation to the accusation and legal procedures against Pinarayi Vijayan in his reported involvement in the Lavlin bribery.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-cm-achuthanandan-removed-from-cpm-politburo/articleshow/4768947.cms|title=Kerala CM Achuthanandan removed from CPM politburo|date=2009-07-12|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-04-05}}

= 2011 Assembly election =

The 2011 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, proved to be one of the closest in Kerala's history, with the UDF beating the LDF by a margin of 4 seats. After this election, Achuthanandan was considered the man behind the Uprising of LDF after the 2009 Parliament and 2010 Municipal election losses.{{cite news |url=http://www.zeenews.com/blog/40/blog549.html |publisher=ZEE News|date=13 May 2011 |title=UDF wins Kerala, but loses to Achuthanandan}} The CPI(M) denied a seat to Achuthanandan for the 2011 assembly election. Protests took place across the state and even on social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and via SMS.{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/17/stories/2011031767500600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321180520/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/17/stories/2011031767500600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2011 |title=Achuthanandan not contesting in the election |location=India |work=The Hindu | date=27 March 2011}}https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-want-VSAchuthanandan-back/152117231515414 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}

In what can be considered as a near repeat of the 2006 pre-election build-up, the Politbureau of CPI-M impressed upon the state leadership to permit VS Achuthanandan to contest elections for the April 2011 Assembly election in Kerala.{{cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cpm-drops-takes-back-warhorse-achuthanandan/764381/ |title=CPM drops, takes back warhorse Achuthanandan |work=The Indian Express |location=India |date=18 March 2011}} VS Achuthanandan contested from the Malampuzha Constituency and won with a margin of around 25,000 votes.

=Removal of personal staff=

On 12 May 2013, three of his personal staff V.K. Sasidharan (additional private secretary), A. Suresh (personal assistant) and K. Balakrishnan (press secretary) were ousted by the Politburo, which was entrusted by the CPI(M) central committee to decide on the action to be taken against them. They were expelled on charges of leaking information to media, according to CPI(M).[http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMONLine.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=14046216&tabId=1&programId=11565535 Manorama Online {{pipe}} English News {{pipe}} Kerala] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629182921/http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMONLine.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=14046216&tabId=1&programId=11565535 |date=29 June 2013 }} With the decision, Achuthanandan's arch-rival and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI(M)) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan appears to have won. The state committee of the party where Vijayan has a huge majority also wanted Achuthanandan to be removed from the post of leader of opposition but this was not done. "This is a clipping of the wings of Achuthanandan", said K.M. Shahjahan.[http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/three-close-aides-of-achuthanandan-thrown-out-of-cpi-m-113051200562_1.html Three close aides of Achuthanandan thrown out of CPI-M {{pipe}} Business Standard]

= 2016 Assembly elections =

Achuthanandan was appointed Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission on 3 August 2016.C. Gouridasan Nair, [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/vs-achuthanandan-to-head-kerala-administrative-reforms-commission/article8937627.ece "V.S. Achuthanandan to head Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission"], The Hindu, 3 August 2016.

= Statement on Islamization of Kerala =

In 2010, the 86-year-old CPI (M) veteran, while talking to reporters in New Delhi on Saturday, said the Popular Front, under scanner for chopping off the hand of a college lecturer, was indulging in communal and divisive activities with the aim of turning Kerala into a Muslim majority state.{{Cite web |title=PFI wants Kerala to be Muslim-majority state: VS |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2010/jul/24/pfi-wants-kerala-to-be-muslim-majority-state-vs-172623.html |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=The New Indian Express}}{{cite journal | url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25741993 | jstor=25741993 | title=Imagined Kerala | last1=Menon | first1=Nandagopal R. | journal=Economic and Political Weekly | date=27 September 2023 | volume=45 | issue=34 | pages=22–25 }} {{Cite web |date=2010-07-27 |title=Achuthanandan stands by 'Islamisation' comment, Vijayan supports |url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/kerala/achuthanandan-stands-by-islamisation-comment-vijayan-supports_643709.html |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Zee News |language=en}}

Major achievements

File:Container terminal.JPG]]

In 2006, under the leadership of Achuthanandan government decided to develop and operate an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Vallarpadam. Though it is a central government project, Achuthanandan government has taken strong steps to take over land required for road and rail lines for the project. The International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi was inaugurated on 11 February 2011, it is the first transshipment terminal in India and the first container terminal to operate in a SEZ.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/uae-in-india/dp-world-kochi-poised-to-grow-its-capacity-1.1668086 |title=DP World Kochi poised to grow its capacity |publisher=Gulf News |date=2016-02-08 |access-date=2017-10-16}}{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tenders-for-consultants-for-colachel-port-by-march/1/598959.html |title=Tenders for consultants for Colachel port by March |work=India Today|date=2016-02-17 |access-date=2017-10-16}}

File:Kollam technopark, Kundara.jpg]]

The Technopark in Kollam was initiated, planned and constructed during Achuthanandan government. The plan for setting up the first district IT park in Kerala at Kollam was announced in January 2009.{{Cite web|date=2009-02-27|title=Kerala's first district IT park to come up at Kollam|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/keralas-first-district-it-park-to-come-up-at-kollam_100138066.html|access-date=2021-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227134651/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sci-tech/keralas-first-district-it-park-to-come-up-at-kollam_100138066.html|archive-date=2009-02-27}} The Foundation stone was laid by Achuthanandan in February 2009.{{Cite news|last=Reporter|first=B. S.|date=2009-01-07|title=Government allots land for Kollam Technopark|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/government-allots-land-for-kollam-technopark-109010701089_1.html|access-date=2021-02-05}} The park was set up expecting employment to the tune of 20,000 and investments of 800 crores.

The first phase of park was inaugurated by Achuthanandan on 15 February 2011.{{Cite web|title=Kollam Technopark inauguration on February 15|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2011/jan/30/kollam-technopark-inauguration-on-february-15-223251.html|access-date=2020-04-15|website=The New Indian Express}}

File:Cherthala infopark.jpg]]

File:Infopark, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala, India.jpg]]

In 2009, Achuthanandan ministry started the work of Infopark Cherthala in Alappuzha. The project was inaugurated by

Achuthanandan on 10 January 2011.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Alappuzha-gets-on-the-IT-bandwagon/article15513943.ece|title=Alappuzha gets on the IT bandwagon|author=Staff reporter|date=10 January 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=26 August 2017}}{{cite web |title=Infopark Cherthala may be Ready by January - TechnoparkToday.com - Techies News, Jobs, Events & Lifestyle! |url=https://www.technoparktoday.com/infopark-cherthala-may-be-ready-by-january/ |website=TechnoparkToday.com - Techies News, Jobs, Events & Lifestyle! |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=24 August 2020}} With the state's IT sector witnessing a phenomenal growth, it has become necessary to expand Infopark, Kochi, to the satellite towns of the city. Infrastructure development at the IT parks at Infopark Cherthala, Infopark Ambalappuzha and InfoPark Thrissur, which are the satellite units of Infopark, Kochi, were progressing fast. Achuthanandan laid the foundation stone of the second phase of Infopark at Kakkanad. The project is developed on 160 acres.

File:Ptb kannur.jpg]]

In 2008, Achuthanandan government proposed an International airport in Mattannur, Kannur. Two years later, Achuthanandan laid the foundation stone for the Kannur International Airport at the project site marking the formal commencement of construction activities on 17 December 2010 at a function attended by the then Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/VS-lays-foundation-stone-for-Kannur-international-airport/article15596787.ece|title=VS lays foundation stone for Kannur international airport|newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 December 2010|via=www.thehindu.com}}

In 2008, Achuthanandan government approved the Kochi Metro rail project in a cabinet meeting held on 2 January 2008 and sent to Central Government for ratification.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business/rs-3000-crore-kochi-metro-rail-project-approved/story-mgAOdGqKFkgymjwHNbxlCI.html|title=Rs 3000 crore Kochi Metro rail project approved|date=2 January 2008}}

Initiated action against encroachment on government land in the hill resort and tea plantation town of Munnar.[http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article93758.ece govt. to deal sternly with Munnar encroachers] The Hindu dated 23Jan2010[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/munnars-illegal-constructions-to-be-demolished_100312165.html Munnar's illegal constructions to be demolished] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607012554/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/munnars-illegal-constructions-to-be-demolished_100312165.html |date=7 June 2010 }} Thaindian dated 30 January 2010
On 30 December 2007, he became the first Communist CM to trek to Sabarimala. The 84-year-old Achuthanandan rejected any sort of physical or medical support which worried his doctors.{{cite web |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/071231/48/6p2a2.html |title= Yahoo Search - Web Search|website=in.news.yahoo.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105181426/http://in.news.yahoo.com/071231/48/6p2a2.html |archive-date=5 January 2008}}
V S Achuthanandan supports free and open source software movement in the state and Richard Stallman has also supported his activities regarding this.{{Cite web |date=26 Feb 2013 |title=Kerala logs on to free software |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/kerala-logs-on-to-free-software-106082501062_1.html |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=Business Standard}}

Major developments in Thiruvananthapuram Technopark including second and third phases of Technopark and technocity{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
IT park in Kozhikkode- Cyberpark{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Major IT export growth during his tenure surpassing national average.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Major renovation of Malampuzha Tourist destination{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
AshtaMudi tourism circuit in Kollam{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Closing down of illegal lottery mafia from state{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Major initiation against resort mafia including ordinance to take over Kovalam palace{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Chamravattom regulator cum bridge a major project of Malappuram and completed during his tenure as CM{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
VS filed and won the case against Manorama for illegally occupying 400 acres of land of Panthaloor temple.{{cite web | url=https://www.twentyfournews.com/2018/06/20/manorama-encroachment-panthalloor-temple-land.html | title=അനധികൃത ഭൂമി; മനോരമയ്ക്ക് കനത്ത തിരിച്ചടി }}

= The drive to reclaim paddy land =

The anti-reclamation stir launched by the Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union (KSKTU) at Mankompu in 1996–97, under the leadership of Achuthanandan created much controversy. This stir was claimed to be highlighting the serious problem of the massive conversion of paddy fields into another type of land, affecting the food security of Kerala. But this soon developed into a crop destruction drive. The protest got the sobriquet following the violent methods and crop destruction resorted to by the KSKTU cadre. The stir attracted lot of public attention and Achuthanandan was forced to express his disapproval of any destruction of crops. 15 years later, in November 2011, a UDF Minister, who is politically opposed to Achuthanandan, justified this struggle.[http://www.doolnews.com/kp-mohanan-sopports-vs-strike-malayalam-news-473.html malayalam news-kp mohanan sopports vs strike] Janata Dal Socialist leader and minister for Agriculture, K.P. Mohananan said such a struggle was necessary as conversion of paddy fields to another type of crops is a serious concern.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Personal life

He is married to K. Vasumathy and has two children, daughter V.V. Asha and son V. A. Arun Kumar.

On 20 October 2023, Achuthanandan turned 100.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/kerala-v-s-achuthanandan-communist-leader-turns-100-8991771/|title=100 not out: Comrade V S Achuthanandan's long march|first=Shaju|last=Philip|newspaper=Indian Express|date=2023-10-20|access-date=2022-10-21}}

In popular culture

Thilakan portrayed the role of chief minister, which was closely modeled on V. S. Achuthanandan, in the film Aayudham (2008).{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
In the film I. G. – Inspector General, Rajan P. Dev portrayed the role of the CM which was closely modeled on V. S. Achuthanandan. {{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
In the Malayalam film August 15, the character of Chief Minister of Kerala, played by actor Nedumudi Venu was inspired by the political life of V. S. Achuthanandan.{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
2016 V.S. Achuthanandan had made his debut appearance in the silver screen in Malayalam Movie CAMPUS DIARY. In the movie, VS is waging a war against a corporate firm that exploits water resources of the Kalikkadavu village. The cast included leading stars like Kerala State Best Actor Award winner Sudev Nair, Gautami, Joy Mathew etc. Read more at: https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/news/offbeat/movie-campus-diary-1.1551593

Awards

Pravasi Express Awards Lifetime Achievement Award 2013{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
Ali Hassan Memorial Samskarika Samithi Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
Velu Thampi Memorial National Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
S Sivasankara Pillai memorial Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
News Maker of the year Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
Janasevana Praveen Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
P Palpu Foundation Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
PS John Endowment Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}
NC Sekhar Award{{Citation needed|date= April 2022}}

Books

Samaram Thanne Jeevitham (സമരം തന്നെ ജീവിതം)
Kerala Vikasana Sankalpangal
Samarathinu Idavelakalilla
Idapedalukalkku Avasanamilla
Ayankali Muthal Pashimagatam vare (അയ്യങ്കാളി മുതല്‍ പശ്ചിമഘട്ടംവരെ)
Janapaksham (ജനപക്ഷം)
Paristhithiyum Vikasanavum (പരിസ്ഥിതിയും വികസനവും)
Irakal Vettayadappedumbol

References

External links

[http://www.keralacm.gov.in The official website of the Chief Minister of Kerala]
[http://www.financialexpress.com/news/story/173796/ Financial Express news, Kerala takes the fizz out of Coke & Pepsi]
[http://www.comradevs.com comradevs.com, A webpage designed for V S Achuthanandan]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20110323120811/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ws210311KERALA.asp An interview with VS Tehelka]
[https://archive.today/20130203194840/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ne190311HAS_THE.asp Has the son put the father In the dock? From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 11, Dated 19 Mar 2011]
[https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVSpage/ official facebook page]
[https://twitter.com/vs1923 twitter]

{{succession box | before = Oommen Chandy|title = Chief Minister of Kerala | years = 2006 – 2011 | after = Oommen Chandy}}

Category:1923 births

Category:Living people

Category:Chief ministers of Kerala

Category:Communist Party of India (Marxist) politicians from Kerala

Category:Indian atheists

Category:Malayali politicians

Category:Indian independence activists from Kerala

Category:Trade unionists from Kerala

Category:Leaders of the opposition in Kerala

Category:Chief ministers from Communist Party of India (Marxist)

Category:People from Alappuzha district