Fri Sep 13 14:47:38 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Communist Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72

**New Delhi:** Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on September 12th after battling a severe lung infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 72.

Yechury, a prominent figure in Indian politics, was known for his amiable nature and wide circle of friends across the political spectrum. He was widely respected for his political integrity and commitment to social justice.

Leaders from across the political divide mourned his loss. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a “leading light of the Left” and acknowledged his ability to connect across political lines. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised Yechury’s “humble leadership” and his commitment to progressive ideals.

The CPI(M) Polit Bureau, in a statement, termed Yechury’s passing as a “grievous loss” for the Left movement and the nation. They lauded his contributions to the party and his commitment to fighting for a just and equitable society.

Yechury, a brilliant student, joined the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) while studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1974. He rose through the ranks of the CPI(M), becoming the General Secretary in 2015. He was a prolific writer, editor of the party’s weekly paper “People’s Democracy,” and author of several books.

Yechury served two terms in the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017 and was recognized for his parliamentary skills, receiving the best parliamentarian award in 2017.

His body will be kept at the CPI(M) headquarters in New Delhi on September 14th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for public viewing. As per his wishes, his body will be donated to AIIMS for research.

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