Sitaram Yechury, a towering figure in Indian politics and a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Thursday, September 12, at AIIMS Delhi. He was 78. Yechury, known for his sharp intellect, unwavering commitment to his ideology, and his ability to bridge divides in the often-fractured landscape of Indian politics, had been battling a prolonged illness. He was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection and had been in the Intensive Care Unit for several days.
The news of his passing sparked a wave of condolences from across the political spectrum. Politicians from all parties remembered Yechury as a “friend, a gentleman, and an unrepentant Marxist.” Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who considered Yechury a friend, remarked that the CPI(M) leader was a “protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.” Gandhi also fondly recalled their long discussions, saying, “I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her sadness at Yechury’s demise, saying, “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.” Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, described Yechury as “a very fine human being, a multilingual bibliophile, an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM, and a superb Parliamentarian with a wonderful wit and sense of humour.”
Yechury’s legacy extends far beyond his role as a politician. He was a prominent voice on the national stage, known for his intellectual depth and his ability to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who held different views. He was also a key figure in the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties aimed at challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His mentorship of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is widely recognized, showcasing his influence beyond the confines of his own party.
Yechury’s journey in politics began in the student’s union of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he was a member of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He rose through the ranks of the CPI(M), becoming a member of the Central Committee in 1984 and a member of the Politburo in 1992. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years, from 2005 to 2017, and in 2015, he became the fifth general secretary of the CPI(M), succeeding Prakash Karat.
Sitaram Yechury’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His contributions to the political discourse, his unwavering commitment to his ideology, and his ability to bridge divides will be remembered for years to come. His passing leaves a void in Indian politics, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
