V.S. Achuthanandan’s Remains Lie in State at Secretariat’s Durbar Hall

Fast summary

• Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran communist leader V.S. achuthanandan’s mortal remains were moved to the Durbar Hall at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on July 22, 2025, for the public to pay homage.
• Workers accompanied the hearse in a procession from his residence near Barton Hill to the Secretariat; ministers and CPI(M) leaders escorted it in official vehicles.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi vijayan, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, and others were present during the ceremony at Durbar Hall.
• Hundreds of people across party lines paid respects to Mr. Achuthanandan at Durbar Hall; many described it as an emotional farewell while some raised revolutionary slogans in tribute.
• After lying in state until 2 p.m., Mr. Achuthanandan’s body will be escorted to Alappuzha with stops along the route for further tributes by citizens.
• The Kerala government declared July 22 a holiday for educational institutions, government offices, State-run undertakings, and statutory bodies as a mark of respect. A three-day state of mourning was announced with flags flying at half-mast.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The passing of V.S. Achuthanandan marks an end to a significant chapter in Kerala’s political landscape shaped by his decades-long contribution as a communist stalwart and former chief Minister. the large public turnout highlights not only his popularity but also the admiration he garnered across ideological divides-rarely seen today amid polarised politics.

The three-day mourning period underscores his pivotal role both within Kerala’s governance framework and India’s broader democratic ethos shaped by leftist thought traditions.While CPI(M)’s leadership aptly led ceremonial honors reflecting party solidarity, inclusive participation from citizens ensures recognition transcends partisan affiliations.

This event reaffirms that leaders who resonate deeply with peoples’ struggles leave lasting impacts far beyond their active tenure-a potential reminder for contemporary leadership about enduring public trust through meaningful service over divisive agendas.For more details: Read More