Indus Valley Times

NEW DELHI, SEPT 12 : Tributes and condolences poured in, cutting across the party lines, after the death of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday afternoon.

Taking to X,  Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he would miss long discussions with the veteran leader.

“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 posted on the micro-blogging site ‘X’.

Yechury (72) passed away after prolonged illness. He was under treatment for acute respiratory tract infection at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for about two weeks. He was admitted to the hospital on August 19 due to pneumonia-like chest infection.

The AIIMS said in a statement that Mr Yechury died at 3.05 pm today. The family has donated his body to AIIMS for teaching and research purposes.

“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 statement read.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also paid tribute, describing Yechury as an “unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPI(M), and a superb Parliamentarian.” He highlighted Yechury’s enduring influence, stating, “Our association stretched over three decades, and we collaborated closely on different occasions. He had friends across the political spectrum and was admired for the strength of his convictions and his engaging personality.”

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja condoled the death of Sitaram Yechury. Taking to X, the CPI leader wrote, “I am deeply aggrieved by the demise of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. Sitaram was one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left and communist movement in contemporary times.”

He noted that Yechury’s loss will be felt in Left and democratic circles. “My heartfelt tributes to Comrade Sitaram. My condolences to his family and to the CPI(M),” Raja said.

Expressing grief over his demise, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that his absence would be a loss to 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 national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” she posted on ‘X’.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also took to X to express his condolences, writing, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sitaram Yechury Ji. His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”

Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu said that Yechury was a stalwart and known for his intellectual take on issues. “Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji’s passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become 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. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote on ‘X’.

-PTI