Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and former Rajya Sabha MP, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 following a prolonged illness.
He had been undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he had been admitted to the intensive care unit. Yechury had been on respiratory support in recent days as his condition worsened.
Sitaram Yechury, who took over as the general secretary of CPI(M) in 2015, succeeded Prakash Karat and became a prominent face of the party during a challenging time for Left politics in India. He had long been a key figure in the party, learning from the late CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet.
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. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024
Surjeet was instrumental in shaping coalition politics during the National Front government under VP Singh and the United Front government of 1996-97, both of which were supported by CPI(M) from outside.
Key Roles in Coalition Politics
During his tenure, Sitaram Yechury played a pivotal role in negotiations and alliances during the UPA-I government. He, alongside other Left leaders, exerted significant influence on the Congress-led regime’s policies. Most notably, he was deeply involved in the talks surrounding the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008, which ultimately led to the Left parties withdrawing their support for the UPA government, following a firm stance from his predecessor, Prakash Karat.
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Yechury’s political journey began in 1974 when he joined the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). His involvement in Left politics grew rapidly, and he became a member of CPI(M) the following year. During the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Yechury was arrested, further strengthening his resolve to fight for democratic rights.
Sitaram Yechury was known for his articulate speeches and deep understanding of international relations, often engaging in debates on crucial policy matters both inside and outside Parliament.
A Void in Indian Left Politics
Yechury’s death marks a significant loss for Indian politics, especially for the Left movement, which he helped guide through difficult times. His leadership, particularly in the CPI(M)’s internal debates and its external political alliances, made him one of the most influential figures in the party.
Political leaders across party lines expressed their condolences. His colleagues from CPI(M) and other Left parties mourned the passing of a leader who dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and equality. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was among the many who expressed their sympathies.
Sitaram Yechury leaves behind a rich legacy of commitment to Left ideology and a lifetime of activism that helped shape Indian politics.
