Former Kerala Chief Minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader VS Achuthanandan is under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being diagnosed with Acute Gastroenteritis followed by dyselectrolemia and altered renal function.
“Former Chief Minister, VS Achutanandan, 98 years was admitted to Shree Utharadom Thirunal Hospital, Pattom on October 31, 2021. He has been diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis followed by dyselectrolemia and altered renal function. He is being closely monitored in the ICU,” mentioned a statement from the medical superintendent of the hospital.
Achutanandan has been inactive over the last few years due to poor health. Two years back he had suffered a stroke. He has the distinction of being Kerala’s oldest chief minister when took over office in 2006.
Achuthanandan had initiated various actions as the Chief Minister, including: the demolition drive in Munnar which claimed back acres of illegally occupied land, the demolition drive in Kochi M. G. Road which claimed back the long lost shoulder of the road, anti-piracy drive against film-piracy, his struggle against the Lottery mafia in the state.
He was instrumental in convicting former minister R. Balakrishna Pillai on charges of corruption. Achuthanandan also took the lead in promoting free software in the state, and especially in adopting free software in the public education system of the state.