Alappuzha: The government has declared a public holiday in Alappuzha district on Wednesday to mourn the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister and CPM leader VS Achuthanandan. Hence, all educational institutions and government offices will remain closed on Wednesday.

PSC examinations scheduled for July 22 have been postponed, and the revised date will be announced later. 

The CPM veteran will be cremated at Valiyachudukad in Alappuzha around 4 pm on Wednesday. His mortal remains are expected to reach the district by tonight, say party sources.

The district collector announced that the public will be allowed to pay their respects to VS at eight locations: Oachira, KPAC Junction, GDM Hall, Kareelakulangara, Nangyarkulangara, Haripad, Thottappalli, and TD Medical College Junction. The mourning procession will conclude at his residence in Paravur, Punnapra, on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, public homage will continue at his residence, the CPM district committee office, and the Recreation Ground. It is reported that the body will be taken to the party committee office around 9 am and later to the Recreation Ground by 11 am.

Minister Saji Cherian has appealed to the public to gather at the Recreation Ground on Alappuzha beach to avoid overcrowding at the leader’s residence and party office. Traffic restrictions have also been imposed across the district.

Currently, the body is being kept for public viewing at Durbar Hall in Thiruvananthapuram. Earlier, it was planned to take the mortal remains to Alappuzha via the National Highway around 2 pm. However, it is assumed that the public homage will be extended, as a large number of people have lined up to catch a final glimpse of their beloved leader.