Sitaram Yechury was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on August 19. (File photo)
Veteran politician and general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Sitaram Yechury, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. Yechury was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection and was reported to be in a critical condition.
“Our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away today in Aiims. Red Salutes to Comrade Sitaram Yechury!” his party said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The veteran leader reportedly died at 3.05 pm today.
Yecheury’s association with the CPI(M) dates back to 1975. Known to have friends across parties, he worked closely with leaders of several non-BJP parties throughout his decades-long political career.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders expressed condolences over Yechury’s demise. Gandhi called him the protector of India.
“…An unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM…” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Sitaram Yechury: Background and Upbringing
In recent times, Yechury has emerged as the most popular face of his party despite the waning influence of the CPI(M). Born in 1952, he completed his schooling in Hyderabad and moved to Delhi in 1969. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics from Delhi University in 1973 and completed his master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 1975.
Yechury joined the left-wing student organisation, the Students Federation of India (SFI), in 1974, marking the beginning of his political career at the age of 22. He was arrested during the Emergency era after going underground to organise resistance. Later, he was elected as the president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union thrice in a single year, between 1977 and 1978.
In 1984 he joined the Central Committee of the CPI(M) and over the years rose through the ranks.
In his later days, Yechury was a member of the CPI(M) Politburo, head of the party’s International Department and editor of People’s Democracy, the CPI(M)’s newspaper. He also served as the leader of the CPI(M) group in the Rajya Sabha, where he continued to play a key role in parliamentary and party activities, according to information available on his party’s website.
Sitaram Yechury is survived by his wife Seema, daughter Akhila, son Danish and brother Shankar.
Condolences expressed for Sitaram Yechury
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement after Yechury’s demise: “Sitaram Yechury was the top leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), a prominent leader of the Left movement and a well-known Marxist ideologue… With his affable disposition, he had a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum and in all walks of life. He was respected by all for his political integrity and commitment.”
“The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this crucial juncture of our national politics is a big blow to the CPI(M) and a painful loss to the Left, democratic and secular forces,” the party added.
The Polit Bureau paid tribute to its colleague and called on all members of its party to work harder to “advance the struggle for a society free of exploitation.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, expressing his condolences on Yechury’s demise.
“I mourn the demise of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years of public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian, known for his knowledge and articulateness… He was also my friend, with whom I had several interactions. I will always remember my interactions with him. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!” Singh said.
First published: September 12, 2024 | 16:34 IS
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