Sitaram Yechury passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 72
OdishaPlus Bureau
Sitaram Yechury, an influential Indian Marxist politician and General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 72. He had been undergoing treatment for a pneumonia-like chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since August 19.
Early Life
Born on August 12, 1952, in Madras (now Chennai), Yechury hailed from a Telugu-speaking family. He completed his schooling in Hyderabad and later moved to Delhi, where he excelled academically, achieving the All-India first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s Higher Secondary Examination. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Master’s degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he began his political activism.
Political Career
Yechury’s political journey began in the 1970s when he joined the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He was elected president of the JNU Students’ Union and became known for his activism during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government. He was arrested during this period but continued to rise through the ranks of the CPI (M), eventually becoming a member of the Politburo in 1992. In 2005, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, where he was recognized for his articulate representation of various issues.
As General Secretary since 2015, Yechury was known for his efforts in coalition-building, particularly during the formation of the United Progressive Alliance government. He maintained a significant presence in Indian politics, advocating for secularism and social justice, even as the CPI (M) faced electoral challenges and a decline in its political base.
Legacy
Yechury is remembered as a prominent leftist leader who effectively navigated the complexities of Indian politics. His ability to engage with leaders across the political spectrum and his commitment to the ideals of socialism and democracy left a lasting impact on the political landscape. He is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti, and two children, Akhila and Daanish, while his son Ashish had previously passed away due to COVID-19 in 2021.
