Left leaders pay tribute to Yechury, CPI(M) terms his death big blow for democratic forces

The CPI(M) on Thursday expressed profound grief over the death of its general secretary Sitaram Yechury and described it as a big blow for the Left, democratic and secular forces. Yechury (72) died at AIIMS here on Thursday following a prolonged illness. He had been in a critical condition for the last few days and was on respiratory support. In a statement, the CPI(M) said the veteran leader died after battling a severe lung infection. “The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of the party, on September 12, 2024,” it said.

The party described him as an outstanding leader of the Left movement and a well-known Marxist ideologue. “The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this juncture in our national politics is a big blow for the CPI(M) and a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces. The Polit Bureau pays respectful homage to our beloved colleague and dips the red banner in his memory,” the statement said. “The Polit Bureau calls upon all party ranks to unite and work harder to advance the struggle for an exploitation-free society. This is the best tribute that can be paid to him,” it said. The CPI(M) also conveyed its deepest sympathy and condolences to Yechury’s wife Seema Chisti, his daughter Akhila, son Danish, brother Shankar and all other family members.

Paying tributes to the Marxist leader, CPI General Secretary D Raja recalled his association with Yechury. “Sitaram was one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left and Communist movement,” he said. “My association with him went back decades when he was in the students’ movement. After coming to the national centre, we worked together,’’ he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the passing of CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and said he was a leading light of the Left known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. Yechury died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi following prolonged illness. He was 72. “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum,” Modi said in a post on X. “He also made a mark as an effective parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” the prime minister said.