The Kerala government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, July 22, as a mark of respect to veteran CPM leader and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday at the age of 101. A three-day state mourning will be observed till July 24, during which the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state.

An official statement said all state government offices, educational institutions, including professional colleges, public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, autonomous institutions, and all establishments covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act will remain closed on Tuesday. The holiday is also applicable to banks functioning in the state. Meanwhile, the Alappuzha district will observe a holiday on Wednesday also. 

Meanwhile, the All Kerala Bus Operators organisation has cancelled the indefinite strike set to begin on Tuesday.

Achuthanandan had been under treatment at the SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram following a severe heart attack on June 23. Bedridden for the past few years due to age-related illnesses, he was admitted to the hospital where he remained for 29 days. A medical board convened an emergency meeting on Monday after a sharp drop in his blood pressure.

His mortal remains were taken to the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for the public to pay their final respects. A public viewing will also be held at the Darbar Hall on Tuesday. The body will then be taken to Alappuzha in a funeral procession. The cremation will take place at the Valiya Chudukadu burial ground.

Achuthanandan, one of the tallest figures in Kerala politics, was the longest-serving Opposition Leader in the state Assembly, holding the position for 15 years. He served as a CPM Politburo member from 1985 to 2009, after which he continued as a member of the party’s Central Committee.