VS Achuthanandan's Family Defers Padma Vibhushan Decision to CPI(M) Leadership
The family of the late V.S. Achuthanandan, former Kerala Chief Minister and a stalwart of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has stated that they will consult the party before making a final decision on whether to accept the Padma Vibhushan award conferred upon him posthumously. This announcement comes after the award was announced on the eve of Republic Day, with the family initially expressing great pleasure at the recognition.
Family's Initial Reaction and Subsequent Clarification
Soon after the award was announced, V.A. Arun Kumar, Achuthanandan's son, had welcomed the honour, describing it as a "priceless recognition from the country" and stating that the family accepted it with great pleasure. However, in a shift, Kumar later clarified that the family would adhere to the party's stance on such matters. He emphasized that there is no ambiguity in their position, and any decision will be made only after consulting the CPI(M) leadership.
Kumar explained in a Facebook post that while the award is seen as an acknowledgment of his father's public life and contributions, the communist movement has a clear political stance on accepting official honours. He noted that Achuthanandan, as a committed Communist, always upheld party values and decisions, and the family intends to honor those ideals in this matter as well.
CPI(M) Leadership Divided on the Issue
The CPI(M) has shown internal divisions regarding the acceptance of the Padma Vibhushan. Party general secretary M.A. Baby asserted that if Achuthanandan were alive, he would not have accepted the award, reflecting the party's historical reluctance towards such civilian honours. In contrast, state secretary M.V. Govindan expressed support for the family's stance, stating that the party would stand with them in this decision.
Govindan highlighted that in the past, when leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Jyoti Basu declined Padma awards, it was based on their personal decisions, not party mandates. He emphasized that this matter should be left to the family, and the CPI(M) will respect whatever choice they make after consultation.
Background and Significance
V.S. Achuthanandan, who passed away last year at the age of 101, was a prominent figure in Kerala politics, serving as Chief Minister and playing a key role in the CPI(M). The Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, was conferred upon him posthumously this year, with official communication received from the Union Home Secretary. This development has sparked discussions on the intersection of political ideology and national recognition, particularly within leftist movements in India.
The family's decision to involve the party underscores the deep-rooted principles of the communist movement, where collective decisions often take precedence over individual accolades. As the CPI(M) deliberates on this issue, it reflects broader debates within Indian politics about the acceptance of state honours by political figures with ideological commitments.
