Veteran CPM leader and General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away today at the age of 72. He had been receiving treatment for pneumonia at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Mr. Yechury was initially admitted to the emergency ward on August 19 and was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to an official statement by AIIMS, Mr. Yechury took his last breath at 3:05 pm. In a gesture of selflessness, his family has donated his body to AIIMS for educational and research purposes. The body will remain at AIIMS for two days before being taken to AKG Bhavan, the headquarters of CPM, allowing his admirers and comrades to pay their respects. Following this, the body will be returned to AIIMS for the final rites.
Political Legacy of Sitaram Yechury
Mr. Yechury is survived by his wife, senior journalist Seema Chishti, and two children, Akhila and Daanish. His older son, Ashish Yechury, passed away at the age of 34 in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Yechury’s political career spanned decades. He was a member of CPM’s top decision-making body, the Politburo, for over 30 years and served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2005 to 2017. His intellectual roots can be traced to his education at St. Stephen’s College and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he began his political journey with the Students’ Federation of India.
Yechury’s political life began to take shape when he was arrested during the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the time, he was pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics, which remained incomplete due to his arrest. After his release, he was elected president of JNU’s Student Union three times. It was during this period that he developed a lifelong friendship with Prakash Karat.
In 1992, Yechury became a member of the Politburo, and by 1996, he had played a key role in drafting the Common Minimum Programme for the United Front government. A decade later, he was pivotal in forming the UPA coalition government. His ability to maintain strong relations with leaders across party lines made him an influential figure in Indian politics, and more recently, he was one of the core figures behind the opposition alliance INDIA bloc.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), CPM expressed their grief, saying, “Our beloved comrade #SitaramYechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today. Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury!”
Rahul Gandhi’s Tribute to a “Friend and Protector of India”
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sadness over the loss of Sitaram Yechury, describing him as a “friend” and a “protector of the Idea of India.” Gandhi said, “Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.”
Nitin Gadkari Mourns the Loss of a Political Stalwart
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his grief, stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sitaram Yechury. His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Rajnath Singh Recalls Personal Interactions with Yechury
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered his personal interactions with Mr. Yechury, noting his knowledge and articulation in public life. Singh wrote, “Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!”
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Laments a National Loss
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered her condolences, noting the impact Yechury had on national politics. “Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was, and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” she said on X.
Akhilesh Yadav Offers His Condolences
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his sorrow at the passing of Yechury, stating, “The passing of Mr. Yechury is very saddening. May God grant peace to his soul and give his family members strength to bear this grief.”
Sitaram Yechury’s Political Impact and Contributions to India
Sitaram Yechury’s influence stretched across decades and political landscapes. His involvement in the drafting of coalition programs and his key role in political alliances like the UPA and, more recently, the INDIA bloc, cemented his legacy as a politician who could bridge divides and foster dialogue. His time as a Rajya Sabha MP was marked by his articulate debates and sharp political acumen. A true leader of the Left, he was deeply involved in the struggle for social justice and the rights of the working class.
Yechury’s death leaves a vacuum in Indian politics, particularly within the CPM, where he served as a guiding force for decades. His dedication to public service, even in his final act of donating his body to medical research, speaks volumes about his character.
Sitaram Yechury’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His contributions, both ideological and practical, will be remembered for years to come. As leaders from across the political spectrum express their condolences, it is clear that his legacy transcended party lines. Rest in peace, Comrade Sitaram Yechury.
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