Yechury was being treated for respiratory tract infection at AIIMS
Sitaram Yechury, the respected General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on Thursday at the age of 72. He was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on September 10 and was receiving treatment for acute respiratory tract infection in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Yechury was recognized for his strategic approach to coalition politics
Yechury, born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, was a significant presence in Indian politics, recognized for his tactical handling of coalition politics and steadfast dedication to Marxist principles.
Yechury started his political career in 1974 by becoming a member of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He rapidly climbed the ladder, serving as the President of the JNU Students’ Union on three occasions and eventually becoming the All-India President of SFI.
Also read: Sitaram Yechury ‘critical’; on respiratory support at AIIMS Delhi
In the year 1984, he was chosen to be part of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) and was granted a permanent invitation. In 1992, he became a member of the Politburo and remained in that position for more than thirty years.
Yechury was a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. In 2015, he took over from Prakash Karat as the General Secretary of CPI(M) and was re-elected to the role in both 2018 and 2022.
Rahul Gandhi condoles his death; calls him protector of idea of India
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences for Sitaram Yechury’s passing, describing him as someone who protected the idea of India and had a profound knowledge of the country.
“I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee called Yechury’s death “a loss for the national politics”.
