![\"CPI(M)](\"https:\/\/assets.telegraphindia.com\/telegraph\/2024\/Sep\/1726137122_sitaram-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Yechury joined the CPI(M) in 1975 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his intellectual prowess and dedication to the party\u2019s ideology. He was elected to the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984 and to the Polit Bureau in 1992. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in shaping the party\u2019s policies and direction over the years.<\/p>\n
Leadership and Contributions<\/h3>\n
Sitaram Yechury was elected as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. Under his leadership, the party navigated through challenging times, including electoral setbacks and internal ideological debates. Yechury was known for his pragmatic approach to politics, advocating for a broad-based alliance of left and secular forces to counter the rise of right-wing politics in India.<\/p>\n
Yechury\u2019s tenure as General Secretary saw the CPI(M) taking strong stances on various national issues, including economic policies, social justice, and secularism. He was a vocal critic of the neoliberal economic policies pursued by successive governments and consistently advocated for pro-people policies that prioritized the welfare of the working class and marginalized communities.<\/p>\n
Illness and Final Days<\/h3>\n
Yechury\u2019s health had been a concern for the past few years. He was diagnosed with an acute respiratory tract infection, which led to his hospitalization at AIIMS. Despite being under the care of a team of specialists, his condition deteriorated, and he was placed on respiratory support. The CPI(M) had been providing regular updates on his health, and the news of his passing has left the party and his supporters in deep mourning.<\/p>\n
Reactions and Tributes<\/h3>\n
The news of Sitaram Yechury\u2019s demise has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the political spectrum. Leaders from various political parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressed their condolences and paid homage to Yechury\u2019s contributions to Indian politics.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Modi, in his condolence message, said, \u201cSaddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury. He was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rahul Gandhi described Yechury as a \u201ctowering figure in Indian politics\u201d and praised his unwavering commitment to the principles of socialism and secularism. \u201cSitaram Yechury\u2019s legacy will continue to inspire generations of political activists and leaders,\u201d Gandhi said.<\/p>\n
Mamata Banerjee, who had shared a cordial relationship with Yechury despite their political differences, called him a \u201ctrue statesman\u201d and highlighted his efforts to build bridges across political divides. \u201cHis demise is a great loss to the nation. He will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, and dedication to the cause of the people,\u201d Banerjee said.<\/p>\n
Legacy and Impact<\/h3>\n
Sitaram Yechury\u2019s legacy is marked by his steadfast commitment to the principles of Marxism and his efforts to adapt them to the changing socio-political landscape of India. He was a prolific writer and orator, known for his articulate and persuasive speeches in Parliament and at public forums. His writings on political economy, social justice, and international relations have been widely read and respected.<\/p>\n
Yechury\u2019s leadership was characterized by his ability to build consensus and forge alliances, both within the left movement and with other political forces. He played a key role in the formation of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in 2004 and was instrumental in the CPI(M)’s support for the UPA government during its first term.<\/p>\n
Despite facing criticism from within the party for his pragmatic approach, Yechury remained committed to the idea of a united front against communal and right-wing forces. His efforts to build a broad-based coalition of left and secular parties were aimed at providing a credible alternative to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).<\/p>\n
Personal Life<\/h3>\n
Sitaram Yechury was known for his humility and simplicity. He was married to Seema Chishti, a senior journalist, and the couple had two children. Yechury\u2019s personal life was marked by tragedy when his elder son, Ashish, passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19. Despite the personal loss, Yechury continued to remain active in politics and public life, drawing strength from his commitment to the cause of the people.<\/p>\n