Thu Sep 12 15:57:19 UTC 2024: ## CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72
New Delhi: Veteran Communist leader and General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 72.
Yechury, known for his affable and accommodating nature, had been admitted to AIIMS on August 19th for pneumonia. He leaves behind a legacy of active political engagement spanning over five decades.
Yechury’s political journey began as a student leader at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He rose through the ranks of the CPI(M) to become the party chief in 2015. During his tenure, he played a key role in forging the INDIA alliance – a coalition of opposition parties.
Despite the CPI(M)’s shrinking political base, Yechury remained a powerful voice in the opposition camp. He is best remembered for his vocal opposition to the India-US nuclear deal, and his role in the UPA-Left coordination committee.
Despite his party’s ideological leanings, Yechury maintained a strong bond with Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. He was known for his sharp intellect and engaging debates in parliament.
“He has made an extremely valuable contribution as a Parliamentarian to almost every debate in which he has participated,” said Arun Jaitley, recalling Yechury’s contributions in the Rajya Sabha.
Yechury’s death is a significant loss for the Indian political landscape. His legacy as a skilled negotiator, a staunch advocate for social justice, and a bridge-builder across ideological divides will be remembered for years to come.
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