Thiruvananthapuram, February 6: V.A. Arun Kumar, son of prominent communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan, has hinted that the family may not accept the posthumous Padma Vibhushan award bestowed upon his father.
On Thursday night, Arun Kumar took to social media to share a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated January 29, which announced the award for his father.
In his brief note, he stated, “We have been informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs that my late father, V.S. Achuthanandan, has been chosen to receive one of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Vibhushan. I am sharing the letter received today regarding this matter.”
He expressed gratitude for the love and respect shown by the people towards V.S., who dedicated decades to public struggles and maintained a steadfast political stance in Kerala. “This honor is seen as a recognition of his public life,” he added.
However, he noted, “The movement he represented has a clear political stance on accepting such government honors. As a communist, he always upheld the values and decisions of the party. The family’s decision on this matter will align with my father’s ideals and the party’s position. We believe that V.S.’s place in the hearts of the people is greater than any award. We are grateful to the people for their continued affection and respect.”
Arun Kumar’s statement is significant in light of the party’s past positions. During the Narasimha Rao government, veteran communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in accordance with party policy.
In 1996, when the United Front government considered awarding the Bharat Ratna to then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, both Basu and the CPI(M) made it clear that the honor would not be accepted, leading to the proposal being withdrawn.
A similar stance was adopted by Harikishan Singh Surjit and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, who declined the Padma Bhushan in 2022.
Party sources indicate that these refusals are based on the belief that communists work for social change, not for awards, and that state honors represent recognition from the ruling establishment.
Following Arun Kumar’s clarification, it is expected that the party will formally articulate its position soon.
