Marxist veteran V S Achuthanandan, who was sidelined by the CPI(M) for the Chief Ministerial post, on Sunday said he was hale and hearty and would continue his fight against corruption and communalism till his last breath.
"I am completely healthy", the 92-year-old veteran said interacting with children of the Nirbhaya Debating Society, a forum of students for various intellectual and social activities, who had gathered to facilitate him here.
"There are no health issues. During the campaign for the May 16 polls, I had campaigned from Parasala to Kannur, addressed several meetings. My health now is the same as during the campaign. Is there any change in me nowIJ", he asked.
The former Chief Minister, who held the top post from 2006-11, was the face of lDF campaign during the May 16 Assembly polls.
The remarks assumes significance as CPI(M) General secretary Sitaram Yechury, while describing Achuthanandan as "Fidel Castro of Kerala" had decided to choose Pinarayi Vijayan for the Chief Minister's post keeping in mind his advanced age and physical limitations.
In a Facebook post today Achutanandan said he would continue his fight against corruption and communalism "until my last breath."
"I am not stopping my struggles I have undertaken so far. I will continue my fights against corruption, communalism and to protect the nature, soil and pride of Kerala until my last breath," he said.
He said political rivals had tried to target him and "trap" him in cases when he attempted to expose Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.