A stalwart of left-wing politics, he leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for civil liberties and social justice.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72, following a prolonged illness. The party’s general secretary had been in critical condition at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection.
Yechury, a prominent figure in Indian politics, was admitted to AIIMS on 19 August, suffering from a pneumonia-like chest infection. After several weeks of intensive care and respiratory support, his condition worsened, leading to his death. In a statement, the CPI(M) expressed its grief: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. He was a dedicated leader who gave his life to the cause of the working class. We extend our deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at AIIMS for their excellent care.”
Condolences and tributes from leaders across the political spectrum poured in describing Yechur’s demise as a major loss.
In Kerala, the party flag at the state party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram was lowered. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the late leader had good links with all and “was a respected and liked personality even by his political detractors”.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, mourned the loss of Yechury, and shared his thoughts on X. “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.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: “His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics…”.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: “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”.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he was deeply saddened upon hearing the news, and noted that Yechury’s “contributions to public life will always be remembered”. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers”.
Tamil superstar-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that he was “deeply saddened” to hear Yechury, “a giant of Indian politics”, had passed away, noting that “along his journey from student activist to statesmen, he left his indelible mark on our national discourse and politics”.
Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his grief, noting that Yechury was “a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics”.
“He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace.”
AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said that the late CPI-M leader was “admired across party lines for his intellect, excellent articulation of his party’s positions and a deep-rooted passion for people’s causes”. He said he was “fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the last decade”.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yechury “an erudite and articulate leader” who “made a rich contribution towards public service and social justice”.
Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule, and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik also condoled his demise.
Born on 12 August 1952 in Chennai, Yechury spent his early years in Hyderabad and later moved to Delhi, where his political journey began. His involvement in student movements at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and his key role in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) cemented his reputation as a fierce advocate for civil liberties during the Emergency (1975-77).
Yechury was a pivotal figure in shaping left-wing politics in India. He succeeded Prakash Karat as the party’s general secretary in 2015, having previously worked under the guidance of leaders such as Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Yechury played an influential role during the coalition era of Indian governance, particularly during the National Front government of VP Singh and the United Front government in the mid-1990s, as well as the first United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
Throughout his political career, Yechury remained committed to leftist ideologies, particularly in opposition to the Indo-US nuclear deal, which led the Left parties to withdraw support from the UPA-I government. His contribution to Indian politics was marked by his strong convictions and tireless advocacy for the marginalised.
Yechury is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti, editor of The Wire, along with his daughter Akhila and son Daanish. — With inputs from IANS
