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CPI(M) Breaks Tradition, Accepts Padma Vibhushan for VS Achuthanandan

The CPI(M) has made a significant departure from its tradition by deciding to accept the Padma Vibhushan awarded posthumously to its legendary leader, V.S. Achuthanandan. The party has historically rejected state honours, with past stalwarts like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Jyoti Basu declining similar awards. The decision factors in Achuthanandan's towering stature and the posthumous nature of the award, which was welcomed by his family. This move is seen as an acknowledgement of his legacy and could potentially redefine the party's future approach to state-conferred honours.

Key Points: CPI(M) Accepts Padma Vibhushan for VS Achuthanandan

  • Historic policy shift by CPI(M)
  • Posthumous honour for veteran leader
  • Family welcomed the recognition
  • Past leaders like EMS Namboodiripad declined
  • Could redefine party's future stance
3 min read

CPI(M) breaks tradition, decides to accept Padma Vibhushan for VS Achuthanandan

In a historic shift, the CPI(M) decides to accept the posthumous Padma Vibhushan for veteran leader VS Achuthanandan, breaking its long-standing policy.

CPI(M) breaks tradition, decides to accept Padma Vibhushan for VS Achuthanandan
"The award was a great honour that acknowledged his father's decades of public service. - Arun Kumar"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26

In a significant departure from its long-held ideological stance, the CPI has decided to accept the Padma Vibhushan awarded posthumously to legendary party leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan.

The decision marks a rare shift for the party, which has historically rejected state honours, arguing that Communists do not seek or accept awards conferred by the ruling establishment.

The Padma awards were announced on Sunday, with V.S. Achuthanandan featuring among eight Malayalis chosen for the prestigious civilian honours this year.

Soon after the announcement, Achuthanandan's family welcomed the decision.

His son, Arun Kumar, said the award was a great honour that acknowledged his father's decades of public service and reflected national recognition for his contributions to Kerala and Indian politics.

Speculation had been rife since the announcement over whether the CPI(M) would maintain its tradition of rejecting such honours or recalibrate its position, especially given the posthumous nature of the award.

On Monday, the uncertainty was put to rest when CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan confirmed that the party would accept the Padma Vibhushan conferred on Achuthanandan.

The decision assumes significance in the backdrop of the party's past.

During the Narasimha Rao government, veteran Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in line with party policy.

In 1996, when the United Front government explored conferring the Bharat Ratna on then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, both Basu and the CPI(M) conveyed in advance that the honour would not be accepted, leading to the proposal being dropped.

Similar positions were taken in the cases of Harkishan Singh Surjeet and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who rejected the Padma Bhushan in 2022.

Party sources point out that earlier rejections were rooted in the belief that Communists work for social change, not for awards, and that state honours represent recognition from the ruling establishment.

However, the leadership appears to have viewed Achuthanandan's case differently, factoring in his towering stature in Kerala politics and the fact that the honour is posthumous.

V.S. Achuthanandan, one of the most recognisable mass leaders of the CPI(M), remains a figure who transcended party lines.

The decision to accept the Padma Vibhushan is being seen as an acknowledgement of his enduring legacy and a moment that could redefine the party's approach to state honours.

Achuthanandan passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 101 years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
I'm a bit disappointed, to be honest. What happened to the principle? EMS Namboodiripad, Jyoti Basu, Surjeet Saheb - they all said no. If the ideology was correct then, it should be correct now. This feels like political convenience.
A
Arun Y
As a Keralite, I feel proud. Achuthanandanettan was a true people's leader, loved across party lines. The Padma Vibhushan is a fitting tribute to a man who lived for the public till 101! His simplicity and integrity were his real awards. This acceptance honours that.
S
Sarah B
Interesting shift. It shows how politics and public perception evolve. A posthumous award is different—it's about memorializing a legacy, not rewarding a living politician. Smart move by CPI(M) to acknowledge the public sentiment without the leader having to compromise his principles.
M
Manish T
The party is just being practical. Times have changed. Why let a beautiful gesture for a beloved, departed leader get stuck in old dogma? His family wanted it, the people of Kerala wanted it. This is a win for common sense over rigid ideology.
K
Kavitha C
VS Achuthanandan was a stalwart. Whether the party accepts an award or not doesn't diminish his contributions. But it's good his life's work is getting this formal recognition from the country. He was much more than a party leader; he was an institution.

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