Sitaram Yechury, Veteran CPI(M) Leader, Passes Away at 72

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
New Delhi, 12th September 2024: Sitaram Yechury, a stalwart leader of the Communist Party of India [CPI(M)] and an iconic figure in Indian politics, passed away today at the age of 72. Yechury’s death marks the end of an era in Indian Marxist politics. Known for his deep ideological commitment to Marxism and his pragmatic approach to political alliances, Yechury’s contributions to shaping the Indian political landscape over the last five decades are unparalleled.

Yechury had been critically ill for several weeks and was admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on August 19, 2024, due to a pneumonia-like chest infection. Despite intensive medical treatment, the senior politician could not recover, leaving behind a legacy of ideological conviction and political reform. His death has led to an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum, with leaders from all major parties offering their condolences.

Early Life and Entry into Politics
Born in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on August 12, 1952, Yechury was the son of an engineer father and a government employee mother. His political journey began in the politically charged atmosphere of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, during the Telangana agitation in 1969. Yechury became actively involved in student politics, eventually joining the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and emerging as a prominent student leader. His activism during the Emergency (1975-77) saw him go underground to evade arrest, abandoning his PhD studies.

Yechury’s role as a student leader was pivotal in shaping his future political career. He was elected President of the JNU Students’ Union three times, and his leadership in mobilizing protests led to significant victories, including the resignation of Indira Gandhi as Chancellor of JNU in 1978.

Political Career and CPI(M) Leadership
Yechury’s ascent in the CPI(M) was marked by his early induction into the Central Committee in 1984 and later, the Politburo in 1992. He worked closely with legendary Marxist leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Harkishan Singh Surjeet, learning the nuances of political strategy and organization.

In 2015, Yechury was elected General Secretary of the CPI(M), succeeding Prakash Karat. His tenure, which lasted until 2022, was marked by efforts to adapt the party’s ideological core to the changing political realities of India. Unlike his predecessor, Yechury advocated for pragmatic alliances with non-communist parties to counter the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that was often debated within the party ranks.

Key Contributions
Yechury’s political philosophy was grounded in Marxist-Leninist principles, but he was pragmatic in recognizing the need for the left to evolve in a rapidly changing political environment. His role in forming the United Front government in 1996 and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004 showcased his ability to build coalitions and navigate the complexities of Indian politics.

Yechury’s tenure as General Secretary is particularly remembered for his efforts to strike a balance between maintaining ideological purity and adopting a more flexible electoral strategy. His stance was often contrasted with Prakash Karat’s more rigid approach, and his leadership saw CPI(M) take a more active role in forming alliances to combat communalism.

Personal Life and Legacy
Yechury was married to Seema Chisti, the editor of The Wire and a former Delhi editor of BBC Hindi Service. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter. In 2021, the family suffered a deep personal loss when their son, Ashish Yechury, passed away due to COVID-19 at the age of 34. His daughter, Akhila Yechury, is an academic in the field of history, teaching at the Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Yechury’s passing has left a void in Indian politics. His contributions as a leader of the CPI(M), a champion of workers’ rights, and a fierce advocate for leftist policies will be remembered for generations. Political leaders across party lines have expressed their sorrow at his death, recognizing his enduring impact on Indian politics.

As the country mourns the loss of one of its most articulate Marxist leaders, Sitaram Yechury’s legacy of commitment to social justice, economic reform, and political integrity will continue to inspire future generations.