Fri Sep 13 02:00:00 UTC 2024: ## CPI(M) Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72, Marking the End of an Era

New Delhi: Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) since 2015, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after a respiratory tract infection. Yechury, known for his sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to democratic socialism and secularism, was a prominent voice in Indian politics for over four decades.

Yechury began his political journey as a student leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he famously read out a charter of demands to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency. He rose through the ranks of the CPI(M), becoming a key figure in the party’s national leadership.

Throughout his career, Yechury was a vocal critic of government policies, often taking a contrarian stand even against his own party. He was known for his sharp debates in Parliament, where he once quipped that the Rajya Sabha’s red carpet represented its role in scrutinizing the Lok Sabha’s legislation.

Yechury played a crucial role in forging alliances, notably the recent INDIA coalition, which brought together the Congress and other opposition parties ahead of the 2024 elections. He was also instrumental in the CPI(M)’s successful electoral performances in Kerala, securing two consecutive state assembly victories in 2016 and 2021.

Despite the CPI(M)’s dwindling electoral base, Yechury remained a powerful force in Indian politics. He enjoyed close relationships with Congress leaders like Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, a testament to his ability to bridge political divides. His passing marks the end of an era for the communists, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders from various parties acknowledging Yechury’s contributions and mourning his loss. Rahul Gandhi remembered him as a “protector of the Idea of India” and a friend, while former diplomat and governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi described him as “democratic socialism’s most ardent champion” and “secularism’s most passionate voice.”

Yechury is survived by his wife, journalist Seema Chishti, daughter Akhila, and son Daanish. His legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his principles, his sharp intellect, and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of Indian politics with grace and conviction.

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