THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior CPM leader and former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan celebrated his 97th birthday with his family at his official residence in Kowdiar on Tuesday. The celebration was a quiet affair and was attended by his family members and close aides. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conveyed their wishes and greetings to the veteran leader.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran and other leaders of various political parties greeted Achuthanandan on his birthday.