VS launches web portal

 V S Achuthanandan, CPM stalwart, has marked his official presence on the Internet, a month ahead of a crucial Assembly election in the state.

The 92-year-old leader now has his official web page —www.vsachuthanandan.in — apart from Twitter and Facebook handles and a YouTube channel.

The former chief minister has continued to be a top favourite in social media discussions and has featured in thousands of Internet memes. With an “official” tag finally surfacing, the veteran and his party are set to mine possibilities of his massive popularity in the run-up to the May 16 election.

Earlier this month, CPM polit bureau member and former state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had launched his official web page. Vijayan also has a Facebook page with over 2.14 lakh “likes” in which he expresses views on various issues and posts updates on his poll campaign in Dharmadam in Kannur district.

Achuthanandan’s social media accounts were launched in Palakkad on Sunday. The veteran is contesting the election from Malampuzha in Palakkad district.

The official website will trace a history of Achuthanandan’s political struggles that ran parallel with Kerala’s political and social renaissance. The website will also feature a collection of cartoon strips featuring him.

“My youth is within you,” Achuthanandan says in a video on the official website.
Social networks have emerged as a key platform for political statement in the state where leaders have also started to indulge in message trail battles with political adversaries.