Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh) [India], July 21 (ANI): YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his condolences on the demise of prominent Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Velikkakattu Shankaran Achuthanandan.

YS Jagan stated that Kerala's political sphere has lost a great leader with Achuthanandan's passing. He highlighted that Achuthanandan's courage, dedication, and love for the people will remain etched in their hearts forever. YS Jagan extended his heartfelt sympathies to Achuthanandan's family and admirers, praying for peace for the departed soul, a release said.

Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala CM V S Achuthanandan passed away on Monday at the age of 101.He was undergoing treatment in a private hospital after a cardiac arrest.

'We salute Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan--an architect of Kerala's progressive journey, a voice of the voiceless, and a lifelong champion of the working class,' the CPIM said in a statement.

'Red Salute to Comrade V S Achuthanandan! Veteran communist leader and Former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan passed away at the age of 101 on July 21. His life of struggle and unwavering dedication to the cause of the people will forever be an inspiration,' it said.

Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan was the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011.He was the longest-serving opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, holding the position for 15 years.

Achuthanandan was a founding member of the CPM. He served as the Secretary of the CPM Kerala State Committee from 1980 to 1992. He was the LDF convener between 1996 and 2000, and Leader of the Opposition in three separate terms--1992 to 1996, 2001 to 2006, and 2011 to 2016. (ANI)