Family of Former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan Unlikely to Accept Posthumous Padma Vibhushan
The family of the late veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan, is reportedly not inclined to accept the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award that has been conferred upon him posthumously by the Government of India. This development follows recent public statements made by senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders regarding the veteran's ideological stance on such civilian honors.
CPM Leaders Indicate Achuthanandan Would Have Declined the Award
CPM General Secretary M.A. Baby had recently asserted that if V.S. Achuthanandan were alive today, he would have unequivocally declined the Padma Vibhushan award. This statement has set a clear precedent and reflects the long-standing political tradition within the Left parties of Kerala, which typically view such government awards with skepticism and often reject them on principle.
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian award, recognizing exceptional and distinguished service in any field. However, for leaders like Achuthanandan, who dedicated his life to communist ideology and public service without seeking personal accolades, accepting a state honor could be seen as contradictory to his lifelong principles.
Historical Context of Left Leaders and Padma Awards
This is not an isolated incident within Kerala's political landscape. The Left Democratic Front, particularly the CPM, has a documented history of its members and leaders refusing Padma awards. The party often views these honors as tools of the establishment and prefers to maintain a distance from what they perceive as state-sponsored recognition.
V.S. Achuthanandan, who served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011, was known for his austere lifestyle, unwavering commitment to communist ideals, and fierce anti-corruption stance. Throughout his extensive political career, he consistently prioritized grassroots activism and party work over personal recognition or awards.
Family's Decision Aligns with Political Legacy
Sources close to the Achuthanandan family indicate that they are likely to respect the leader's known ideological positions and the party's stance. By declining the posthumous award, the family would be honoring Achuthanandan's legacy and his consistent rejection of individual accolades in favor of collective struggle and service to the people.
The final decision, while resting with the family, is expected to be made in consultation with the CPM leadership, ensuring it aligns with the party's principles and the late leader's documented views on such matters. This potential rejection underscores the enduring influence of ideological purity within Kerala's political culture, even in matters of national honor.
