April 7, 2021
2 mins read

In a first, Achuthanandan fails to cast vote

After the Covid pandemic struck, Achuthanandan has been rarely seen in public domain, with visitors kept at bay…reports Asian Lite News.

Former Kerala Chief Minister and one of India’s tallest Communist leaders, V.S. Achuthanandan, failed to cast his vote on Tuesday for the first time in state Assembly elections.

The 97-year-old, who is a sitting legislator from Malampuzha in Palakkad district, is now staying at his son’s residence in the state capital, while his vote is at his home at the Ambalapuzha Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district.

Following some technical issues, he and his wife were unable to register for postal voting and on Tuesday, his health condition was not suitable for the three-hour journey to his home and hence, he could not cast his vote. However, his son and other family members went and cast their votes at Amabalapuzha.

After the Covid pandemic struck, Achuthanandan has been rarely seen in public domain, with visitors kept at bay.

In the 2016 Assembly polls, he, as the Leader of Opposition, was the one who led the Left’s campaign but after their victory, Pinarayi Vijayan became Chief Minister.

Achuthanandan was given the title of ‘Kerala Castro’ and was made Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission – a post which was created for him and came with cabinet status.

A seven-time legislator, Achuthanandan recently resigned from the post, vacated his official residence and started living with his son.

In the poll campaign this time around, he failed to make a single public appearance, nor was his picture seen in any poster, with only Vijayan’s images predominating.

In a political career that began in the 1940s, Achuthanandan first became a legislator in 1967 from Alappuzha district, the then fortress of the Communist movement, but when he was all set to become the Chief Minister in 1996, he suffered the worst-ever jolt in his political career by losing the Assembly elections.

However, it was only after his loss, his stock as a politician rose hugely and he went on to become the biggest crowd puller in Kerala politics.

In 2006, he led the Left to victory and became Chief Minister, but in the 2011 poll, he almost created history by retaining power, but the Oommen Chandy-led UDF scrapped through, with a thin margin of just two seats.

Also Read-Sabarimala, the most discussed election topic in Kerala

Read More-UDF eyes Malappuram to win Kerala

Previous Story

‘India facing renewed challenges along borders’

Next Story

Anti-lockdown protest turns violent in B’desh

Latest from India News

India, France Set to Seal Rafale Deal

Estimated cost of this deal is valued at around Rs 63,000 crore…reports Asian Lite News India and France will on Monday sign the deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian

Starmer calls Modi, condemns terror attack 

Starmer conveyed his condolences on the loss of innocent lives to Prime Minister Modi  India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who strongly

Pakistan Railways Now Under Army Watch

The latest action adds on to Islamabad’s measures to secure its borders on ground, water and air against any aggressive response from India…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan has activated its war preparations
Go toTop

Don't Miss

123 of 1,352 candidates in third phase of LS polls are women

The third phase of the elections will be held on

LDF to win big in Kerala

According to the CVoter Exit Poll for Times Now/ABP News,