Criticism

During the CPM state conference held in Kottayam, he has been criticized strongly due to his style of functioning by a majority of Pinarayi Vijayan supporters known as official faction and they demanded his ouster from Chief Minister. They warned that the party would lose seats if it goes for ahead parliamentary elections under his leadership.  

Achuthanandan was heavily criticized for his allegedly highly insensitive and deplorable comments regards the family of late NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who was slain while defending the Mumbai city against the terror attacks. Allegedly agitated by Achuthanandan's neglect to timely offer condolences despite even Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa having done same, as well as perceived insult and insensitivity in sending sniffer dogs by CM's security to a house in mourning, when faced with criticism CM finally wished to visit, Sandeep's father requested the minister to not to visit. When Achuthanandan nevertheless still entered the house, he was humiliated and evicted by the father on live TV.

 Smarting under the snub, Achuthanandan stated during a TV interview that "Is there any rule that both the Karnataka Chief Minister and Kerala Chief Minister should go together to his (Sandeep's) home? If not for Sandeep's house, not even a dog would have gone there."

 Faced by heavy public criticism and furore over this again, Achuthanandan finally offered a public apology, which was accepted by Sandeep's father, finally bringing an end to the controversy.