'Communist tradition vital, will obey party decision'; VA Arunkumar clarifies stance on accepting Padma award

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central government had announced the Padma Vibhushan posthumously to former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan. The veteran leader’s son VA Arunkumar, who earlier expressed happiness over the recognition, has now decided to take the party’s advice on whether to accept the award or not. Arunkumar clarified the family's decision in a post shared on Facebook.

“The award is a tribute to Achuthanandan’s service to society. However, the party he represented espouses a certain stance regarding accepting such honours. As a communist, he always adhered to those values ​​and the party's decisions. The family has decided to uphold those ideals put forward by my father and the party he belonged to.” Said Arukumar.

Meanwhile, CPM General Secretary MA Baby had earlier responded that if VS were alive, he would have refused the award. However, Baby also said that the final decision in this matter would be up to the family.

The CPM state leadership had welcomed the award. CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan had responded that VS's family had expressed happiness over the award and said that the party will support the family.