Remembering V. S. Achuthanandan – The People’s Leader Who Transformed Palakkad
As Kerala remembers V. S. Achuthanandan, the people of Palakkad pay tribute to a leader whose dedication and vision shaped many of the district’s key developments. Fondly known as VS, he was more than a politician he was a comrade of the people, a strong voice for the marginalized, and a champion of social justice. His bond with Palakkad’s farmers, workers, and common folk ran deep, as he worked to bring industrial projects, improve welfare schemes, and uplift countless lives. His legacy lives on in the roads, factories, and progress he helped create.
V. S. Achuthanandan played a pivotal role in shaping the development landscape of Palakkad through his decades-long commitment as a strong leader and people’s representative. Known not only as a powerful activist but also as a grassroots leader deeply connected to farmers and agricultural laborers, Achuthanandan closely engaged with the community’s issues, prioritizing welfare schemes like pensions, medical benefits, educational support, and aid for marriages. Among his notable achievements for Palakkad was his instrumental role in securing and advancing the establishment of the Railway Coach Factory at Kanjikode. Under his tenure, the Kerala government successfully acquired over 230 acres of land to hand over to the Railways, with the foundation stone laid in 2012. However, when the project faced delays, Achuthanandan actively protested and lobbied with central authorities to keep the development on track
He was also behind key industrial initiatives, including bringing the mini Navaratna company BEML to Kanjikode, ensuring land acquisition for textile parks in the region, and advocating for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Palakkad, which later materialized in Kanjikode. Infrastructure projects like extending the Malampuzha ring road and establishing the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Puthuppariyar also took shape during his leadership.
Achuthanandan’s efforts to revive the industrial sector in Kanjikode during the early 2000s were crucial when over 200 units had shut down, resulting in massive job losses. He successfully united trade unions, government officials, and industry representatives to resolve power supply issues and support displaced workers, including securing festival allowances during Onam as a relief measure for affected employees. Beyond Palakkad, Achuthanandan’s statewide initiatives included championing the Kochi Metro project, the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam, and supporting the growth of IT parks across Kerala. His leadership extended to social reforms, anti corruption drives, and promoting free and open-source software in the public sector.
V. S. Achuthanandan’s legacy in Palakkad is not just about politics it reflects his clear vision and deep care for the people. His efforts helped build the district’s industrial base, improved public welfare, and strongly supported the working class, leaving a lasting impact on Palakkad’s development.
