Thousands pay tribute to ex-CM Achuthanandan; funeral today

With flowers in hand and heartfelt chants filling the air, thousands gathered along the roadsides to pay their final respects to former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on Tuesday as his mortal remains were transported from the state capital to his hometown, Alappuzha.

Long queues of women, including girls, senior citizens, and homemakers, could be seen waiting to witness the stalwart’s final journey throughout the routes, braving sun and rain. Due to the massive crowds, the bus, which set off after 2 pm, had only reached Kazhakoottam—just a few kilometres from the city—by 7:45 pm.

Earlier, the mortal remains of the 101-year-old CPI(M) stalwart were brought to the historic Durbar Hall at the Secretariat complex from his residence for political leaders and the public to pay their last respects. Emotional slogans filled the air — “Brave comrade VS, who said you are gone? You live on through us!” — as long-time supporters and young admirers alike queued for a final glimpse of the leader who shaped Kerala’s political and social fabric for over eight decades. CM Pinarayi Vijayan led the state’s homage, sitting in silence beside the tricolour-draped body inside the casket.

His cremation is scheduled to take place in Alappuzha by Wednesday noon, party sources added.