Sitaram Yechury Passes Away
CPIM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday after battling a prolonged illness. Political heavyweights, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, expressed their condolences over his passing.
Sitaram Yechury, the towering leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), breathed his last at the age of 72.
He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on August 19, suffering from pneumonia.
In a gesture of generosity, Yechury’s family donated his body to AIIMS for educational and research purposes, as confirmed by the hospital.
Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, Yechury was an indomitable presence in Indian politics. He was celebrated for his tactical mastery in coalition-building and his steadfast dedication to Marxist principles.
Yechury’s foray into politics began in 1974 with the Students' Federation of India (SFI). His rise was swift—he became the President of the JNU Students' Union thrice and later held the position of All-India President of SFI. By 1984, he was elected to CPI(M)’s Central Committee, becoming a permanent invitee. In 1992, he earned a place in the Politburo, where he remained an influential figure for over 30 years.
From 2005 to 2017, Yechury represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha. In 2015, he took over as General Secretary of CPI(M) from Prakash Karat, and was re-elected twice, in 2018 and 2022.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mourned Yechury’s death, describing him as “a defender of the Idea of India with profound insights into our nation.”
“I’ll miss our deep conversations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and supporters in this moment of sorrow,” tweeted Gandhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also head of the Trinamool Congress, said Yechury’s passing marked “a significant loss for national politics.”
