CPI leader Sitaram Yechury passes away at 72 : A look at his legacy and contributions

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a former Rajya Sabha member, passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. Yechury, who had been receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and had been under intensive care. For several days, he was on respiratory support, receiving care from a team of specialists.

Yechury’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics, as he played a significant role in shaping the course of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the nation's political landscape.

Sitaram Yechury’s personal life

Sitaram Yechury was married to Seema Chisti. Before Seema, Yechury was married to Indrani Mazumdar, the daughter of Vina Mazumdar. From this marriage, he has a son and a daughter. His daughter, Akhila Yechury, holds a degree in history and teaches at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St. Andrews. Sadly, his son, Ashish Yechury, passed away from COVID-19 on April 22, 2021, at the age of 34. Yechury's maternal uncle is Mohan Kanda, a former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.

Early Political Journey of Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury began his political journey in the 1970s, joining the Students' Federation of India (SFI) in 1974. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a full-fledged member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975. His early political career was marked by activism during the Emergency, during which he was arrested for his outspoken opposition to the government.

Yechury's political acumen was shaped under the mentorship of senior CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Surjeet played a pivotal role in the coalition politics of the National Front government led by V. P. Singh, and later, the United Front government of 1996-1997, both of which were supported by the CPI(M) from the outside.

Leadership and Role in National Politics

Yechury took over as the general secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in key political decisions, particularly when the Left parties were in alliance with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. His expertise came to the forefront during discussions on the Indo-US nuclear deal, where he represented the party in high-level talks with the government.

Under his leadership, the CPI(M) maintained its stance on critical national issues and continued to influence policy decisions. His ability to negotiate and apply pressure on the Congress-led government made him a vital player in national politics, especially during the first UPA government.

Contributions to the CPI(M) and the Left Movement

Throughout his political career, Sitaram Yechury remained dedicated to the principles of Marxism and socialism. His deep understanding of the political landscape, both nationally and globally, helped him shape the party’s approach in the modern world. Yechury's leadership ensured the CPI(M)'s relevance in Indian politics, despite the challenges posed by changing political dynamics.

One of Yechury’s key moments was his involvement in the party's decision to withdraw support from the UPA-I government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, a decision driven by his predecessor Prakash Karat’s firm stance. Despite this, Yechury's diplomatic skills often came into play, making him one of the party’s most prominent figures in dealing with national politics.

Sitaram Yechury's Background

Born on August 12, 1952, in Madras (now Chennai), Sitaram Yechury grew up in a Telugu-speaking family. His father, Sarveswara Somayajula Yechury, was an engineer, and his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, worked as a government officer. Yechury spent his formative years in Hyderabad, later moving to Delhi, where his academic brilliance shone. He completed his higher secondary education at President's Estate School, securing the first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations.

Yechury pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and went on to complete his master's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Although he began a Ph.D. in Economics, his studies were cut short by his arrest during the Emergency.

Sitaram Yechury’s Literary Contributions

Apart from his political career, Yechury was also a prolific writer. He authored several books on Indian politics and Marxist ideology. Some of his notable works include:

• What is This Hindu Rashtra?: On Golwalkar's Fascistic Ideology and the Saffron Brigade's Practice (1993)
• Pseudo Hinduism Exposed: Saffron Brigade's Myths and Reality (1993)
• Caste and Class in Indian Politics Today (1997)
• Socialism in a Changing World (2008)
• Left Hand Drive: Concrete Analysis of Concrete Conditions (2012)
• Modi Government: New Surge of Communalism (2014)

Legacy of Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury's passing is a great loss to Indian politics, particularly to the CPI(M), where he spent decades contributing to the growth of the Left movement. As the CPI(M) general secretary, Yechury’s leadership was characterized by a commitment to the working class and the marginalized, a vision he carried throughout his political life.

Yechury’s legacy will live on in the hearts of party members and his contributions to Indian politics will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Here are people sending condolences on X (former Twitter):

For more news and current affairs?from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes News.