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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
V.S. Achuthanandan, not just a leader but a legacy
Kerala has bid farewell to its last idealist of communist politics. Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan — VS, as we all knew him — was more than just a leader. He was a living legend. Perhaps the last of the unblemished, unwavering icons of the communist movement. On the outside, he came across as stern, tough, and uncompromising. Harsh labels followed him — often not just from political rivals, but even from within his own party. The media, too, painted him in shades of rigidity. But those who truly knew him saw another VS — a man of rare affection, quiet care, disarming warmth, and deep humanity. I was fortunate to witness this side of him, away from the headlines and public image. His name echoed through my childhood. Long before my political journey began as a Kerala Students Union worker at Chennithala, he had already become a household name —known across Kerala for his leadership during the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle. As a boy, I would listen to his speeches with rapt attention — the cadence, the humour, the language—it all captivated me. Once, I asked him about his unique style of oratory. He smiled and said: 'When I began in politics, we had no microphones or stage lights. We'd speak under oil lamps, using rhythm, humour, and pauses to hold the crowd. That's how it became my style — just a way to keep people listening and thinking.' Even today, his oratory remains unmatched in Kerala—difficult to replicate, impossible to forget. As an MP, I had more chances to meet him personally — often during chance travels on trains and flights. Those journeys became windows into the man behind the public figure. We stood on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Our debates were spirited, sometimes fierce. Yet there was always mutual respect. Despite political clashes, he treated me with affection and civility—and I returned the same. As Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president, I met him often — in his roles as Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and as Chief Minister. Those conversations, even amid disagreement, only deepened our personal bond. Just recently, I visited SUT Hospital at Pattom to see him. I couldn't meet him, but spoke at length with his son, Arun Kumar, about his condition. Despite his rigid ideological stance, VS had a profound emotional depth. I remember especially the day T.P. Chandrasekharan was brutally murdered at Onchiyam. It was VS, the then Chief Minister, who visited his widow, K.K. Rema, and offered her solace. That one moment alone speaks volumes — challenging the image of him as unfeeling or distant. Now, a red star that illuminated Kerala's public life for nearly a century has dimmed. The space he leaves behind in our political conscience is vast. With his passing, Kerala has lost the last true reformist of the Left. With deep sorrow and abiding respect, I offer my tribute to the luminous memory of V.S. Achuthanandan. (writer is a permanent invitee to Congress Working Committee)
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Governor's sanction required to prosecute CM in connection with Navakerala Sadas violence: court
A Kerala court on Thursday said sanction for prosecution from the Governor was required to register a case against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with a conflict that occurred during the Navakerala Sadas, the State government's outreach programme. The court of Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate also observed that the Governor's sanction was required for prosecuting people's representatives. The observation came on a plea by Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Muhammed Shiyas seeking registering of a case against Mr. Vijayan in connection with the various instances of violence during the outreach programme in 2023. The court is scheduled to take up the matter next on November 1. Kerala Students Union and Youth Congress workers were allegedly assaulted by activists of the CPI(M)'s Democratic Youth Federation of India and the security personnel of the Chief Minister at various places across the State for showing black flags to Mr. Vijayan during the programme.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Granting holiday to school for SFI rally triggers row
Kozhikode: The decision by Kozhikode Medical College Campus Govt Higher Secondary School to grant leave to the high school section on Monday following request of the SFI has triggered a controversy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A holiday was granted to the high school section to allow students to attend the public rally held to mark the conclusion of the four-day SFI national conference. Headmaster Sunil stated that SFI activists had submitted a strike notice, requesting cooperation from schools to facilitate student participation in the rally. "Since they had served a formal notice, we decided to call off classes for the high school section to avoid any issues for the school. However, regular classes continued for the LP and UP sections," Sunil said. High school classes were dismissed at 10.30am. Allegations surfaced that SFI activists mobilized students during school hours to increase turnout at the rally, which was attended by chief minister . The headmaster said when he had called police in a similar situation last year, police had asked why we could not cooperate with protesters and why create needless issues. On Sunday, the headmaster had sent a message to the parents' WhatsApp group indicating the possibility of a holiday. The message also advised parents and auto drivers not to leave until it was confirmed that the school would close only after 10.30am. Following the incident, workers of the Kerala Students Union staged a protest at the DDE office, alleging that the school's decision violated Kerala Education Rules. The protest was called off after the deputy director of education assured in writing that a report had been sought from the district educational officer and appropriate action would be taken based on its findings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now KSU state president Aloshious Xavier demanded that the general education minister must clarify whether he approves granting of holiday to school if any student organization gives a notice. "It is utterly unacceptable to shut down a govt school to boost participation in the rally of a student organization. If SFI members want to attend their conference, that's fine. But suspending classes for an entire school is undemocratic and infringes on students' rights," he said.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
KSU supports Zumba dance in schools
The Kerala Students Union (KSU) on Saturday offered full support to the government's well-meaning work to curb the spread of addictive substances. Amid opposition from some Muslims groups to introducing Zumba dance in schools as part of a broader anti-drug campaign, Aloshious Xavier, State president of the KSU, said there's no need for controversy over the State government's well-intentioned initiatives against addiction. 'Zumba dance is popular in the State and there's nothing unethical about it. The KSU belives that the controversy is unwarranted,' he said. However, he added that Zumba dance or seizures of contraband drugs from a few cine stars would not suffice to resolve the serious social crisis posed by drug abuse in the student community. 'It requires a deeper intervention,' he added.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
KSU alleges unjust PTA fund increase at Maharaja's College
Kochi: Kerala Students Union (KSU) demanded the immediate dissolution of the parent-teacher association (PTA) at Maharaja's College, alleging an unjust hike in PTA funds. It claimed that the hike imposes a severe financial burden on students from economically weaker sections. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to KSU Maharaja's unit president Rajeev Patric, PTA funds for postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) students were increased by Rs 500 each. As a result, PG students are now required to pay Rs 2,500 and UG students Rs 2,000. "This arbitrary fee hike deeply affects students, most of whom come from poor and underprivileged backgrounds," he said. KSU pointed out that a significant number of students seeking admission at the college hail from tribal settlements and backward regions. "While principal and college management stand united in extracting money, ordinary students are left to suffer. This move tarnishes the image of a prestigious institution like Maharaja's," said Patric. KSU also criticised the collection of an additional Rs 500 from each student during admission to fund the college's 150th anniversary celebration.
