Left parties pay rich tributes to Achuthanandan
Achuthanandan died on Monday at the age of 101.
New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Left leaders paid rich tributes to former Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanandan on Monday, with CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby saying the veteran leader's demise marks the 'end of an era'.
'Comrade V S Achuthanandan's passing marks the end of an era,' Baby said.
He pointed out that the former Kerala chief minister was born into poverty and orphaned at 11.
'He had to quit school. Working at a coir factory, he was initiated into the trade union movement and joined the Communist Party at a young age,' Baby said.
'Synonymous with the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, he was brutally tortured by the police. He was the last surviving member of the 32 who walked out of CPI National Council in 1964 and founded the CPI(M). His 101 years were a saga of struggle for justice and equality,' the CPI(M) general secretary added.
Paying homage to the veteran leader, CPI general secretary D Raja said Achuthanandan's 'principled life, simplicity, and dedication to the people will remain an inspiration to the coming generations'.
'Comrade Achuthanandan's political journey, spanning more than eight decades, stands as a testament to unwavering commitment to the ideals of socialism, secularism, and people's rights,' Raja said.
He said Achuthanandan was widely respected across party lines and by the people of Kerala.
'The CPI extends its deep condolences to his family, friends, admirers and to the CPI(M),' he added.
CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya also paid tributes to the former Kerala chief minister.
'Just got the news of the passing of Comrade V S Achuthanandan, former P B member of CPI(M) and CM of Kerala, and one of the tallest leaders of the communist movement. Our deepest respect to the legendary leader and condolences to his family and comrades,' Bhattacharya said in a post on X.
The CPI(M), in a statement, called Achuthanandan an outstanding leader and a veteran of the country's Communist movement.
'The Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) dips its red banner in salute to V S Achuthanandan. It conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife, son and daughter,' the statement said.
Achuthanandan, one of India's most-respected Left leaders and a key figure in Kerala's political history, died in a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest. PTI AO RC
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
MoS Margherita says India, South Africa relations based on mutual trust
Last Updated: Johannesburg, Jul 26 (PTI) 'Relations between India and South Africa are based on shared history, mutual trust and goodwill," said Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in South Africa on Saturday. 'India's engagement with Africa, including South Africa, is guided by the principles of Prime Minister Modi. Our engagement with Africa is not transitional; it is transformational," he said while addressing a gathering of Assamese expatriates and Indian-origin South Africans here. Margherita said that India regards its diaspora as one of its greatest assets while seeking their support 'to strengthen the India-South Africa relationships." He urged the diaspora to continue to launch new ventures, initiate joint projects, create more jobs and explore new markets together in India, South Africa and beyond. Margherita wrapped up his 10-day visit to three southern African countries–Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa–on Saturday and left for Dubai. Earlier this week, Margherita participated in the 4th meeting of the G20 Development Working Group, held in the iconic Kruger National Park, hosted by South Africa, which currently holds the G20 Presidency. PTI FH RD RD RD Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Congress seeks court-monitored CBI probe into organic cotton scam in MP
New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) The Congress on Saturday demanded a court-monitored CBI probe into an alleged scam in the sale of normal cotton as organic cotton in Madhya Pradesh. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh alleged that India's image is being hurt globally as the country has lost credibility in the certification of organic products. Addressing a press conference here, Singh alleged that the scam is estimated to be of the tune of Rs 2.1 lakh crore in the name of selling normally produced cotton as organic cotton. There was no immediate comment available from the Madhya Pradesh government. Giving details, Singh said that in 2001, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which is implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). He said its objective is to certify and regulate the export of organic products. Under this framework, NPOP accredits certification bodies (CBs), which in turn verify internal control systems (ICS). The ICSs are groups of 25 to 500 farmers who grow organic cotton. As of 2025, there are approximately 6,046 ICSs and 35 CBs. Singh, however, alleged that most farmers who are shown as registered under ICSs are neither growing organic cotton nor are they aware of their presence in the system. 'In short, ICS groups have deliberately committed fraud by adding farmers' names to obtain transaction certificates," Singh alleged. With the result, he claimed, while the farmers struggle to get fair prices for their produce, some powerful traders are selling non-organic (Bt) cotton as 'organic', earning up to six times the profit. While these exporters are also committing massive tax and GST evasion, at the international level, he claimed that India is now being seen as a 'hub of fraud in the organic market", leading to cancellations of recognition by global agencies. He also claimed that raids on just two commercial entities uncovered Rs 750 crore in GST evasion, revealing a Rs 7,500 crore scam from just these two, as tax evasion accounted for only 5 per cent of the total fraud amount. Referring to the international fallout, the former chief minister claimed that in October 2020, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) caught 'fake transaction certificates" in India, banned 11 companies, and revoked the accreditation of a major certifier. In June 2021, the USDA (USA) ended India's automatic recognition for organic certification, Singh claimed, while revealing that in November 2021, the EU cancelled the recognition of five Indian certifiers due to restricted chemicals found in supposedly organic products. Singh said on August 27, 2024, he highlighted the organic cotton fraud in Madhya Pradesh through a letter to the prime minister. The Congress leader demanded the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) led by the CBI under the supervision of a sitting high court judge. Seeking transparent inspections by the certifying bodies, he also demanded fair compensation for the exploited farmers. PTI SKC ARI view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 00:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
J&K set to create ripples with ‘hydropower tourism'
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah (Pic credit: PTI) SRINAGAR: J&K's Omar-Abdullah-led government has started dipping its toes in 'hydropower tourism' with plans to allow hydel electricity generators to set up on-site tourism facilities as an incentive to attract more investors into such projects. J&K's Draft Hydro Power Policy, 2025, proposes tourism infrastructure in hydel projects up to 25MW. A senior official said the infrastructure could include hotels, parks, guesthouses, and water sports facilities The draft policy, reviewed earlier this week by chief minister Omar, will soon be released for public feedback. The policy assumes significance after the Centre put Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Omar's National Conference (NC) has long opposed IWT, calling it detrimental to J&K's interests and arguing that it ceded control of river waters to Pakistan without consulting the region. Such tourism facilities will be allowed to be set up only after hydel projects up to 25MW go on stream. 'The policy clearly says after the main hydropower project is completed and begins operating, they can apply to build tourism infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo The aim is to increase income and support local economic growth,' the official said. The incentive has been limited for projects up to 25 MW as they typically come up on small streams and offer good tourism potential, while larger hydel plants are located on major rivers with little scope for ancillary amenities, the official explained. J&K has an estimated hydropower potential of over 20,000MW but less than 15% is harnessed. Govt expects good response to the new policy. The official cited Ranjit Sagar Dam (also known as Thein Dam) at Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab as an example, pointing out that the area, with lush gardens and scenic surroundings, had turned into a popular picnic destination. 'J&K's upcoming hydropower projects offer similar tourism potential,' the official said. While hydropower developers in J&K will be required to provide 12% of the generated electricity free to the Union territory under the new policy, the obligation will remain suspended during the initial years to ease the burden on developers. Developers will be allowed to retain all tourism revenue from the start, without no sharing with govt. However, after 40 years, developers must hand over the 'hydel project' and 'all related tourism infrastructure in good operating condition' to govt. The draft policy categorises projects into two segments, up to 25MW, and between 25MW and 100 MW. It proposes waiver of water usage charges for all projects, classifying them as 'non-consumptive users'. Developers will also benefit from carbon credit incentives and receive 100% exemption on registration fees and stamp duty on land purchases, leases, or mortgages related to the projects.
