The massive turnout at V S Achuthanandan’s funeral and the emotional outpouring from thousands across age, gender and faith who braved the rain to line the streets of Kerala was a sight to behold. The cortege's slow passage was not merely a procession—it was a people’s tribute to a man who had come to embody their struggles, values and memories of a disappearing political ethic.

A petty debate rages on some sections of social media. Who drew more crowds at their respective funerals. VS or OC (Oommen Chandy) ? More absurd are the attempts to compare them. Apart from both being immensely popular and former Chief Ministers, their lives bore little resemblance. That both evoked such mammoth public affection at the end is proof that they were two of the most beloved political leaders this country has seen. But VS’s story stands apart. His subaltern origins, lifelong struggles and rise against all odds to the top echelons of the CPM, and the moral courage he showed even while being marginalised —are unparalleled in contemporary Indian politics including his own party.

The politics of funerals

Massive funeral processions are not new in Indian public life. In fact, the Guinness record for the largest funeral gathering is held by C N Annadurai, Tamil Nadu’s first Chief Minister, whose funeral in 1969 drew over 15 million people. Mahatma Gandhi’s procession in 1948 was joined by 2 million mourners and took six hours to travel six km. The minute by minute commentary by All India Radio’s legendary broadcaster Melville De Mellow by traveling along the funeral procession too was historic. Nehru’s in 1964 was equally phenomenal. I........

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