(Image source from: x.com/cpimspeak)
Veteran Left leader and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away today this afternoon. He was 72 years old and was being treated for pneumonia at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Delhi. The CPM leader was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS on August 19th and was later shifted to the ICU. AIIMS said in a statement that Yechury died at 3:05 pm today. The family donated his body to AIIMS for educational and research purposes. His body will be kept at AIIMS for the next two days before being taken to AKG Bhawan, the CPM headquarters, so that his admirers and comrades can offer their condolences. After that the main part will be transferred to AIIMS again. Mr. Yechury is survived by his wife Seema Cheshti, a senior journalist, his daughter Akhila and his son Danish. His 34-year-old son Ashish Yechury died as a result of the coronavirus in 2021. Yechury, who was a member of the CPM's highest decision-making body, the Politburo, for more than three decades, represented the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017.
A graduate of St. Stephen's University and Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, Mr. Yechury began his political career with the Students' Federation of India and joined the CPIM in 1975. He was completing his PhD in economics from JNU when Indira Gandhi's government declared a state of emergency in India. In 1975 he was arrested along with many other leaders who would later play important roles in national politics. His doctorate was not completed. After his release from prison, Mr. Yechury was elected president of the JNU Students' Union three times a year. During this time she also met Prakash Karat, who became her lifelong companion. In 1992 he was elected to the Politburo. Four years later, he was one of the leaders who played a key role in drafting the United Front government's Common Minimum Plan. Yechury also played a key role in forming the UPA government's coalition government in 2004. The veteran leader had good relations with politicians across party lines and was one of the key leaders who helped form the alliance. More recently, he was one of the key frontline leaders as the opposition parties united in the India bloc.
Our beloved comrade #SitaramYechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today.
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 12, 2024
Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury! pic.twitter.com/COrcQSuj3A
CPM posted saying "Our beloved comrade #SitaramYechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today. Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury!". Congress leader and MP Rahul 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". Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said "His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti,". Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said "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!".
"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 the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues" posted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "May God grant peace to his soul and give his family members strength to bear this grief" posted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
