Veteran CPI(M) Leader Sitaram Yechury Dies At 72, Condolences Pour In

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury died at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday following prolonged illness.

The 72-year-old leader was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of pneumonia and passed away at 3:05 PM today, the hospital said in a statement.

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Born on August 12, 1952 in Chennai, Yechury studied in Delhi University during graduation and completed post-graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is survived by his wife Seema Chishti Yechury and two children.

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Condolences Pour In On Yechury’s Death

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences on Yechury’s death and said called him a “protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country”.

“Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief,” Gandhi wrote while sharing his photo with Yechury on X.

Remembering Yechury, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the CPI(M) leader’s demise will be a loss for the national politics.

“Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” she said.

Condoling Yechury’s death, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said the CPI(M) was a very fine human being, a multilingual bibliophile, an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM, and a superb Parliamentarian with a wonderful wit and sense of humour.

“Our association stretched over three decades, and we collaborated closely at different occasions. He had friends across the political spectrum and was admired for the strength of his convictions and for his most engaging personality. Salaam Tovarish. You have left us much too early but you enriched public life immeasurably and will not be forgotten,” Ramesh said in a post on X.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Yechury. The Chief Minister noted that Yechury was a stalwart who rose through the ranks to emerge as one of the most respected voices in Indian politics.

“He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party,” said Naidu in a post on X.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said Indian politics shall miss Yechury and the values he lived for.

“A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Travel well #SitaramYechury. Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for,” he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Yechury was a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation.

“Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!” he posted on X.