Wed Sep 25 08:45:24 UTC 2024: ## CPI-M Mourns Loss of General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Calls for Unity

Agartala, India – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) is in mourning following the death of its General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, at the age of 72 on September 12th. Yechury, a leading figure in the Left movement and a key architect of the INDIA bloc, died after battling a severe lung infection.

Speaking at a commemorative meeting in Agartala, former CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat described Yechury’s passing as a “heavy loss” for both the Left and democratic movements in India. He emphasized Yechury’s crucial role in building the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge the ruling BJP in upcoming elections.

Karat highlighted Yechury’s commitment to strengthening the CPI-M’s base and uniting secular forces against the BJP, RSS, and other communal forces. He acknowledged the BJP’s recent electoral losses but warned that the threat posed by the party and its ideological affiliate, the RSS, remains significant.

Echoing Karat’s call for unity, CPI-M politburo member and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar stressed the need to expand the Left’s reach, winning over not only those outside the Left fold but also those opposed to the BJP and RSS. He urged the strengthening of the Left and democratic movements to protect the Constitution, democratic values, and constitutional bodies.

CPI-M Tripura state party secretary Jitendra Chaudhury paid tribute to Yechury’s leadership, describing him as a “most meritorious leader” with a “high and generous personality” that endeared him to party members and leaders across generations, as well as to individuals from other political parties. Chaudhury highlighted Yechury’s ability to collaborate with people across the political spectrum, a testament to his inclusiveness.

Yechury’s passing comes just seven months before the CPI-M’s 24th party congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. His absence will be deeply felt by the party, which is facing the challenge of navigating a complex political landscape. However, the party’s leadership has pledged to carry forward his legacy, continuing the fight for a more just and equitable India.

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