Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a respected political leader, passed away this afternoon at the age of 72. He had been receiving treatment for a severe chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi since August 19. Yechury’s death has drawn condolences from leaders across the political spectrum.
A Life Marked by Leadership and Influence
Yechury was a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his eloquence and strong presence in both parliament and activism. His political career began in the 1970s, and he was recognized for his exceptional organizational skills and influence. Yechury was also known for his adept use of modern technology and social media, engaging with the public through popular podcasts and discussions.
Yechury’s Viral Picture With Indira Gandhi
During his career, Yechury faced challenges, including misinformation. An old photo of him with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi went viral with misleading claims about an incident during the 1975 Emergency. The photo was actually taken in 1977, when Yechury was leading a demonstration for Gandhi’s resignation as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Despite the confusion, Yechury’s legacy remains clear.
Emergency to right-wing communal forces, Comrade #sitaramyechuri Yechury was a fighter to remember.
It was following a protest led by Yechury in 1978 that Indira Gandhi resigned as JNU Chancellor – an iconic photo of Indira listening to Yechury when he read out a chargesheet. pic.twitter.com/1ti9aG5Sjw
— Sanjay Kishore (@saintkishore) September 12, 2024Early Life and Political Career
Yechury was educated at St. Stephen’s College and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he started his political journey with the Students’ Federation of India. He joined the CPI(M) in 1975 and was an active leader during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government. Despite his arrest and incomplete PhD, Yechury’s political career continued to flourish as he became the president of the JNU Students’ Union and a key figure in national politics.
Political Leaders Pay Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over Yechury’s death, acknowledging him as “a leading light of the Left.” President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, describing him as a committed ideologue with a unique voice in Indian politics. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge also honored Yechury’s memory, praising his deep understanding of India and his balance of personal relationships with political ideologies. Sitaram Yechury is survived by his wife, senior journalist Seema Chishti, his daughter Akhila, and his son Daanish. His passing marks the end of a significant era in Indian political history.