Red flame still burns bright; Adieu, Comrade!

ALAPPUZHA: Time and history will stand as witnesses to the unparalleled farewell given to former Kerala chief Minister and communist titan VS Achuthanandan. Thousands thronged to Alappuzha in an unprecedented farewell ever given to a political leader in Kerala. Even nature shed its tears on a cold Wednesday night in Alappuzha. VS Achuthanandan was cremated in the Punnapra memorial with all state honours.

After a 30-hour mourning procession, that saw the participation of tens of thousands of followers, VS was laid to rest amid valorous chants of ‘Kanne Karale VS’. The cries echoed in the air when VA Arunkumar, son of VS, lit the pyre. The funeral pyre was placed on the left side of the entrance to the hall. After the police provided a guard of honour, the son, VA Arunkumar, lit the pyre.

The supporters, braving the rain and drenched in the drizzle, continued shouting Inquilab slogans. Only ministers, party leaders and public representatives were allowed to enter the huge hall. When the body was taken to the funeral pyre, people crowded in the area began to rush, breaking all security protocols to be near their beloved comrade.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan:

“The revolutionary style and organisational skills were the uniqueness of VS. He led the party without any hesitation during the crisis phases. VS is one among the few leaders who made his whole life a struggle for creating a new Kerala. He is a Renaissance leader.”