CPI(M) general secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after a long illness. Yechury was hospitalised with a high fever on August 19 and later moved to the ICU. On August 31, the CPI(M) stated that he was being treated by a team of specialists for respiratory issues. The 72-year-old leader had also recently undergone cataract surgery.
Despite his health struggles, Yechury remained active. On August 22, he shared a video message on X following the death of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya, expressing regret for not being able to attend the memorial in person.
"It's my loss that I was not able to physically attend this memorial meeting and pay my homage to Com. Buddhadev Bhattacharya. It’s most unfortunate that I had to connect from AIIMS to convey my feelings, emotions & revolutionary Lal Salaam to Buddho da," he said.
He continued engaging on social media, sharing a message of solidarity between CPI(M), Congress, and NC for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election on August 23, and posting condolences on August 29 for the passing of his close friend Abdul Ghafoor Noorani.
He wrote, "Deeply grieved at the passing away of Abdul Ghafoor Noorani, an extraordinary intellect of Constitutional, legal matters. He invited me and fed me Biriyani that he made at his flat in Mumbai, way back in 1993 after reading my small pamphlet 'What is this Hindu Rashtra' an expose of Golwalkar's ideology. Since then Ghafoor has been a close friend. Deepest Condolences to his family members and friends."
Yechury became the general secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat.
Condolences Pour In
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Sitaram Yechury was an unparalleled brave leader of the communist movement. I am hearing the news of Sitaram's demise with great sadness and heartache."
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "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."
Abhishek Banerjee of the TMC wrote on X: "Sad to hear about the passing of veteran CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. While our political ideologies often clashed, I had the privilege of interacting with him during several opposition meetings over the last couple of years. His simplicity, profound understanding of public policy and keen insight into parliamentary affairs were truly remarkable. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who admired him. May his soul find peace. Om Shanti!"
(With inputs from PTI)