The Passing of Sitaram Yechury: End of an Era for Indian Left Politics
Condolences pour in from all across the political spectrum.
Veteran CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away
Veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Sitaram Yechury, passed away on September 12, 2024, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Aged 72, Yechury succumbed to complications from pneumonia after a long battle with the illness. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian leftist politics.
Yechury's passing has left a deep void not only within his party but across the political spectrum, where he was widely respected for his intellectual capabilities, oratorical skills, and ability to negotiate across political divides. He is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti Yechury, a journalist, and their two children, Akhila and Daanish.
Condolences Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled Sitaram Yechury's principled politics and remarked that the void left by his passing would be difficult to fill. Yechury was respected by one and all, regardless of whether they agreed with his political ideology. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Yechury as "a friend" and "a protector of the Idea of India," expressing his deep sorrow and recalling their long discussions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Yechury’s demise “a loss for national politics” and praised him as a veteran parliamentarian.
BJP leader and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reflected on their years of working together in Parliament and extended his heartfelt condolences to Yechury’s family, friends, and colleagues. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hailed him as an "unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak" and lauded his ability to build friendships across political lines. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock and offered her deepest sympathies to Yechury’s family. The widespread tributes underscored Yechury’s deep impact on Indian politics, with leaders from all backgrounds acknowledging his intellect, diplomacy, and commitment to his principles.
Early Life and Education: The Making of a Leader
Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, Sitaram Yechury's formative years were shaped by a middle-class upbringing in Andhra Pradesh. His father, S.S. Yechury, worked as an engineer, while his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a government officer. Yechury’s early education took place in Hyderabad, but the political instability caused by the Telangana movement forced him to relocate to Delhi for his higher studies in 1969.
Yechury completed his undergraduate degree in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, securing first-class honours. He later pursued his M.A. in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he graduated with distinction in 1975. His academic background laid the foundation for his entry into student politics, which became the crucible for his future political career.
Political Career and Rise in CPI(M)
Sitaram Yechury’s political journey began during his time at JNU, where he joined the Students Federation of India (SFI) in 1974. His dynamic leadership was soon recognised when he was elected as the President of the JNU Students' Union on three separate occasions between 1977 and 1978.
Yechury formally entered the CPI(M) in 1975, amidst one of India’s most turbulent political periods – the Emergency. His involvement in organising resistance against the authoritarian regime of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi saw him go underground for a period and even face arrest. This formative experience of political activism cemented Yechury's position as a rising star in the party.
In 1984, at just 32 years old, Yechury was inducted into the CPI(M)’s Central Committee, making him one of the youngest members of the party’s senior leadership. By 1992, he had ascended to the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the party, establishing himself as a key figure in India’s left-wing politics.
Mentorship by Harkishan Singh Surjeet
Yechury’s rise in the CPI(M) was significantly influenced by his close association with veteran leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Surjeet, known for his strategic political thinking and skills in coalition-building, became a mentor to Yechury. This partnership allowed Yechury to hone his political acumen and gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate India’s complex political landscape.
Key Role During UPA-1 and UPA-2 Governments
Sitaram Yechury’s political influence extended beyond the leftist sphere, particularly during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Yechury emerged as a key interlocutor between the Congress-led UPA coalition and the Left parties. From 2004 to 2008, the CPI(M) provided crucial external support to the UPA-1 government.
Yechury’s skills in negotiation and diplomacy were pivotal in ensuring that the Left’s ideological concerns were addressed within the broader framework of UPA governance. He played an instrumental role in discussions related to economic policies, social welfare measures, and international diplomacy.
Opposition to the Indo-US Nuclear Deal
Perhaps one of the most defining moments of Yechury’s political career was his staunch opposition to the Indo-US nuclear deal, a contentious issue that strained the CPI(M)’s relationship with the UPA-1 government. Despite being perceived as a pragmatist, Yechury stood firm with the party’s decision to withdraw support from the government in 2008 over the deal, which was seen by the Left as a betrayal of India’s non-aligned stance and a capitulation to American interests.
Yechury’s unwavering stance on the issue exemplified his commitment to the principles of collective decision-making, even if it meant walking away from the corridors of power.
Legacy of Leadership and the Future of CPI(M)
Sitaram Yechury’s death signals the end of an era for the CPI(M) and Indian left-wing politics. As the General Secretary of the CPI(M) since 2015, Yechury was tasked with leading the party through one of its most challenging phases. The CPI(M)’s electoral fortunes had dwindled significantly, particularly in its former strongholds of West Bengal and Tripura, leaving Kerala as its primary base of support.
Despite these setbacks, Yechury remained committed to revitalising the party while holding steadfast to its ideological roots. He believed in the importance of building alliances across the political spectrum and was often viewed as a bridge-builder who could engage with diverse political ideologies while maintaining the core principles of Marxism.
The Future of Indian Left Politics
Sitaram Yechury leaves behind a legacy that future generations of CPI(M) leaders will find challenging to uphold. His intellectual depth, combined with his ability to navigate the complex interplay of ideology and pragmatism, made him a unique figure in Indian politics.
The future of CPI(M) will depend on its ability to adapt to changing political realities while retaining its relevance in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. The task of finding and grooming new leaders capable of carrying forward Yechury’s legacy of principled, inclusive politics will be crucial in determining the party’s survival.
A Farewell to a Political Stalwart
Sitaram Yechury will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his affable nature, and his ability to engage with political adversaries without compromising on his ideals. His contributions to Indian politics and his lifelong commitment to social justice will continue to inspire future leaders and activists. As India bids farewell to this stalwart of the Left, his loss will be felt deeply not only by his comrades but by all those who admired his vision for a just and equitable society.
Sitaram Yechury RIP.
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….rightly said ….Sitaram Yechury will be remembered for his affable nature and his lifelong commitment to social justice. As for his intellectual asset, perhaps he could have contributed much for the welfare of the lower classes, had CPM consented to lead India with Late Jyoti Basu Ji as Prime Minister. We pay sincere condolences to Sitaram Yechury’s Family.