Veteran CPM leader and party general-secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday after battling prolonged illness. He was 72.
CPM said that Yechury passed away around 3:03pm today after suffering from a respiratory tract infection.
"It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications," the party said in its official X handle.
The CPM thanked the doctors, nursing staff and AIIMS director for the excellent treatment and care extended to Yechury.
In a statement, AIIMS said that Yechury's family has donated his body to the hospital for teaching and research purposes.
Yechury was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection.
Yechury had been in a critical condition for the last few days and was on respiratory support. He had recently undergone cataract surgery.
Condoling Yechury's demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the CPM leader was a leading light of Left politics.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister said on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he will miss the long discussions he used to have with Yechury.
"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," he said on X.
West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said that Yechury'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.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said he is "deeply saddened" by Yechury's demise. "His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti," he said on X.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Yechury was an "unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPI(M), and a superb Parliamentarian".
Yechury joined CPM nearly 50 years ago as a student leader. He served as the general secretary of the party for three consecutive terms, from 2005 to 2015. He was re-elected to the post again in 2018.
Yechury also served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017.
In 2021, Yechury's son Ashish Yechury passed away during the second wave of Covid-19 at the age of 34.
Yechury was seen as a proponent of the coalition-building tradition established by former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet.
He worked closely with Congress leader P Chidambaram to draft the Common Minimum Programme for the then United Front government in 1996.
He also played a critical role in the coalition-building efforts for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004.
Yechury completed his BA (Hons.) in Economics from the St. Stephen's College in New Delhi and then went on to pursue MA in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)..
He was also arrested during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975
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