New Delhi [India], September 12 (ANI): Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday due to pneumonia.
Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“Sitaram Yechury CPI(M) General Secretary no more. He was admitted in AIIMS,” CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah told ANI.
Sitaram Yechury was a prominent Indian politician who held a seat in the CPM politburo for 32 years and served as the party’s General Secretary from 2015. Additionally, he represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2005 to 2017.
Political leaders express grief over Sitaram Yechury’s death
After CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away due to a prolonged illness on Thursday, political leaders from different sections expressed their grief over the loss of the communist leader.
Expressing sadness over the demise of the veteran leader, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote on X, “Deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of my friend Sitaram Yechury. We studied together and maintained close ties for over five decades. Always valued our discussions and debates. Like so many others in the political and intellectual world, will really miss his presence.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on X that this will be a loss for national politics.
“Sad to know that 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,” read her post on X.
Aam Aadmi party Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, also said that the passing of the CPI (M) leader is an irreparable loss for Indian politics.
“A strong voice raised in favour of democracy and constitution, a leading leader Sitaram Yechury who mobilised everyone against communalism, has said goodbye to the world, but he will always remain alive in the voice of the poor, labourers and the oppressed, his departure is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury ji with a bowed head,” Singh said on X.
The CPI(M) party also posted on X and said, “It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said that his years of service is worthy of the greatest respect.
“The passing away of Sitaram Yechury is a profound loss for all of us. 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. May his soul rest in peace and may his loved ones find the strength and courage to face this tragedy,” Priyanka posted on X.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also posted on X and said, “A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Travel well Sitaram Yechury. Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for.”
Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s party flag flies at half-mast at the party office in Delhi following the demise of the party’s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the demise of the CPI(M) leader.
CM Naidu said, “Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji’s passing. He 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.”
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, “My heartfelt condolences on the demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. A true statesman, his unwavering commitment to public service and social justice will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and followers. May his soul find eternal peace.”
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed grief over the death of the Communist leader.
“Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of my dear friend Sitaram Yechury ji. We’ve lost a great statesman, a dedicated parliamentarian, and a remarkable human being. His demise is a tremendous loss for national politics. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & colleagues,” Azad said.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also posted on X and remembered his times with Yechury.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Rajya Sabha member Sitaram Yechury Ji. Mine was a long association with him. We played cricket on the lawns of India Gate many decades ago when we were in our teens. Cerebral, he devoted his life to an ideology which he strongly believed in. My sincerest condolences to his family. RIP,” Puri said.
“Deeply saddened to hear of Sitaram Yechury‘s passing. He was a consistent voice for secularism, social justice and democracy. We were both part of the All Party Delegation that had gone to Kashmir in 2016. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues & comrades on their loss,” AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi on X.
Sitaram Yechury was appointed general secretary of the CPI (M) in 2015. He succeeded party leader Prakash Karat.
Yechury was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai. He studied at Delhi University during his graduation times and completed post-graduation at Jawaharlal Nehru University. (ANI)
“Was uncompromising in his commitment…”: Sonia Gandhi mourns death of Sitaram Yechury
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condoled the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.
“I am very saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury ji. We had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with, and the friendship that had been established then continued till his very end,” she said.
“He was uncompromising in his commitment to the values of our country’s Constitution, embodied so very forcefully in its Preamble. He was fierce in his determination to protect India’s diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. He was, of course, a lifelong communist, but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelve-year stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark,” Sonia Gandhi added.
Further, the Congress leader said that the CPI(M) leader played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“He will be sorely missed,” she said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Sitaram Yechury‘s wife, Seema Chisti Yechury, and condoled the death of the CPIM leader.
Kharge said, “On behalf of myself and the Indian National Congress, I express my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury, a veteran leader who dedicated his life to serving the people. His commitment and leadership will always be remembered and cherished.”
He also highlighted that Yechury’s contributions to the nation and his steadfast dedication to the betterment of society have left an indelible mark.
“His leadership and service will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace. During this time of mourning, may you and your family find the strength and resilience to bear this profound loss. Our thoughts are with you in this critical hour of personal bereavement,” Kharge said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, calling the veteran leader a “leading light of the Left,” PM Modi said his thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour.
