Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 6: The family of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V. S. Achuthanandan, who has been posthumously selected for the Padma Vibhushan, has indicated that any decision on accepting the prestigious civilian honour will be taken strictly in line with the late leader’s political ideology and the long-established stand of the Communist movement he represented.
In a Facebook post, Arun Kumar V.A., son of V. S. Achuthanandan, said the union Ministry of Home Affairs had formally informed the family that the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, would be conferred on the veteran leader.
The official communication from the Ministry was received on Thursday, he said.
Arun Kumar stated that the affection, respect and warmth consistently shown by the people towards V. S. Achuthanandan—who stood as a towering figure in Kerala’s public life for decades through mass struggles and uncompromising political positions—has always been a great source of strength for the family.
He described the award as a recognition of Achuthanandan’s long and eventful public life and his enduring contributions to society and public service.
At the same time, the statement recalled that the political movement represented by V. S. Achuthanandan had a clear, principled and well-defined position on the acceptance of official honours.
As a committed Communist, Achuthanandan had consistently upheld those values and strictly adhered to party decisions throughout his political career, it said.
Clarifying the family’s stand, Arun Kumar said that any decision regarding the honour would be taken in accordance with V. S. Achuthanandan’s ideals and the political position of the party he represented.
Underscoring his deep and lasting bond with the people, the statement noted that the place Achuthanandan occupies in the hearts of the masses is far greater than any formal recognition or award.
Expressing gratitude, he thanked the people for the continued affection, respect and love they have shown towards the late leader, reiterating that public trust and popular support were the greatest recognitions of Achuthanandan’s life and work.
Earlier, senior CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby had said that V. S. Achuthanandan would not have accepted the Padma Vibhushan had he been alive, reiterating the Communist Party’s long-standing ideological opposition to state-conferred civilian honours.
Baby said Achuthanandan had consistently maintained a critical view of such awards and firmly believed that public service should not be linked to official recognition or personal honours.
He added that the decision on whether to accept the posthumous award now rests entirely with Achuthanandan’s family. Baby also clarified that while the party respects the award and the sentiments surrounding it, it continues to acknowledge the ideological position historically upheld by many of its leaders on the issue of accepting national honours.
The union Government recently announced the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for Achuthanandan in recognition of his decades-long contribution to public life and politics in Kerala.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion within political circles, particularly within the Left, which has traditionally opposed such honours on ideological grounds.
Several senior Communist leaders in the past, including former Chief Ministers, had declined Padma awards citing ideological reasons.
While the CPI(M) leadership has acknowledged the honour as a recognition of Achuthanandan’s public service, Baby’s remarks reflect the continuing internal debate within the party on the question of accepting civilian awards.
A prominent mass leader deeply rooted in social justice and grassroots politics, V. S. Achuthanandan passed away in 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy shaped by struggles, principled politics and a lasting connection with the people.
Padma Vibhushan for VS: Family unlikely to accept civilian honour
