V S Achuthanandan: The Relentless Marxist
V S Achuthanandan, a pivotal Marxist leader from India, fought against caste and class discrimination, maintaining a lifelong commitment to social justice. Known as Comrade 'VS', he ascended from a humble background to become Kerala's Chief Minister, navigating internal party struggles and advocating for workers' rights until his passing at age 101.
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V S Achuthanandan, a transformative figure in Indian politics and Marxism, passed away at the age of 101. As India's first working-class communist Chief Minister, 'VS' stirred social justice movements and resisted both caste discrimination and party revisionism throughout his extensive political career.
An influential founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan rose amid personal and ideological trials characteristic of the Left. His path from trade union activism to Chief Minister of Kerala was marked by relentless advocacy for farmers, workers, and the poor against colonial and class-based oppression.
Even amidst political infighting, his popularity forced the party to repeatedly field him in crucial elections. His tenure saw a dedicated fight against corruption and an unwavering push for welfare, earning respect across the ideological spectrum.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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