Veteran political leader and CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72. He had been receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of AIIMS, Delhi, for a severe respiratory tract infection.
Yechury was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for a pneumonia-like chest infection and had been on respiratory support for several days. Despite the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, his condition remained critical.
Political Career and Leadership
Yechury became the CPI-M General Secretary in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. He had been a member of the Politburo, the party’s top decision-making body, for over 30 years. Yechury also served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017.
The veteran leader recently underwent cataract surgery. He was known for his deep understanding of India’s political landscape and his long service to the Left movement.
Condolences Across the Spectrum
Leaders from across political parties expressed their grief. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Yechury a “friend” and “protector of the Idea of India.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also mourned his passing, calling his demise “a loss for national politics.”
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Kiren Rijiju both extended their condolences, remembering Yechury’s contributions to public life and Parliament. The Students’ Federation of India, the CPI-M’s student wing, paid tribute by lowering their banner in his honor.
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