'VS's best work was when he was Leader of the Opposition': CPM organise meeting to condole death of VS Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that VS Achuthanandan was a leader who played a unique role in developing the CPM to its current status. “The most outstanding phase in VS’s work was when he was the Leader of the Opposition. He rushed to every sector and intervened in issues. He exposed what needed to be exposed. He strongly opposed what needed to be opposed,” the Chief Minister said at a condolence meeting organised by the CPM State Committee.

“There are talks that VS took a different stand for the protection of Kerala’s environment later. However, when VS worked as part of the agricultural labour movement, a big agitation was organised under his leadership against the destruction of paddy fields. Environmental protection was also part of this protest, along with the issue of getting employment for the workers. VS also performed unique work as the Chief Minister. VS, who intervened extensively in development matters, became a leader of the entire people of Kerala,” the Chief Minister said.

CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan said in his presiding speech that VS, who worked in harmony with the people, had clearly marked 'who is the leader'. "He intervened for the creation of New Kerala. History will mark VS as a revolutionary who played a role in building modern Kerala," he said.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that VS understood the need of the time and worked for environmental protection. Satheesan said that VS was sure of what to talk about and what ideas to embrace according to the time.

Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan said that VS was on the side of right. He said that even when environmental protection was not given much consideration, VS worked for it.

Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust General Secretary Swami Shubhangananda said that VS was a man who worked tirelessly to achieve the legitimate needs and rights of the people. He said that VS worked tirelessly until what was wrong was corrected.