Thiruvananthapuram, February 5, 2026: The family of the late VS Achuthanandan, Kerala’s iconic communist leader, has declined the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award posthumously conferred upon him by the Indian government. The decision, announced by his son VA Arun Kumar on social media, underscores the family’s commitment to the veteran politician’s ideological principles and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s longstanding stance against official honours.

Arun Kumar shared a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirming the award, one of India’s highest civilian honours. “We have been informed by the Central Home Ministry that the ‘Padma Vibhushan’, one of India’s highest civilian awards, has been decided to be given to my late father V.S. Achuthanandan,” he wrote in Malayalam. He attached the official communication with his social media post.

Achuthanandan, who died recently at 101, was a towering figure in Kerala politics for over seven decades. Known for his unyielding anti-corruption campaigns, anti-communal stance and mass struggles, he served as Chief Minister (2006–2011) and as Leader of the Opposition (for a record three times). His fiery oratory and grassroots activism earned him enduring popularity, often positioning him at odds with his own party’s leadership. Despite the posthumous recognition, Arun Kumar emphasised that “the place VS holds in the hearts of the people is greater than any award”.

The refusal stems from ideological fidelity. “Even though such official awards are a mark of respect to his public life, the organisation he represented has clear political positions on accepting them,” Arun Kumar noted. As a communist, Achuthanandan adhered strictly to CPI(M) values, which historically reject state honours as tools of bourgeois symbolism.

Earlier, there were criticisms from some corners about the CPI(M)’s silence on the award as its long standing principle has been against accepting such honours.

This year’s Padma awardees from Kerala include Malayalam acting legend Mammootty and SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Nadesan.