Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, a stalwart of Indian politics, passed away at the age of 72. The veteran leader, known for his accommodating and affable demeanor, breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for pneumonia since August 19, 2024. His passing marks the end of an era for the Indian Left.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born in Chennai in 1952, Sitaram Yechury showed academic promise from an early age. After topping the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 exams in 1970, he pursued his higher studies in economics at St. Stephen’s College, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. It was at JNU, a hub for political activity, that Yechury’s political career began to take shape. He became actively involved in student politics and quickly rose through the ranks of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), alongside Prakash Karat.
A Leading Figure in the CPI(M)
Yechury’s political journey spanned five decades, during which he became a central figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He was elected as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, a role in which he served with distinction. His leadership was marked by significant political challenges as the party struggled to maintain its electoral base, particularly in West Bengal, a state it once ruled for over three decades, and Tripura, where it lost power in 2018.
Despite the party’s diminishing influence, Yechury’s stature as a leader remained intact. He played a key role in forming alliances with opposition parties, most notably forging the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in 2023. His efforts reflected his belief in the importance of unity among secular forces in Indian politics.
Political Legacy and Key Moments
Yechury was widely respected for his strategic acumen and his ability to navigate the complex terrain of Indian politics. One of his most famous moments came in the 1970s when, as a student leader, he stood up to then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at a JNU event, reading out a demand for her resignation in her presence. This act of defiance earned him widespread admiration among his peers and cemented his reputation as a courageous leader.
In contrast to his earlier confrontations with Congress leaders, Yechury later built strong personal and political relationships with them. He shared a close bond with former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. These ties were evident in moments such as when Sonia Gandhi, ahead of forming the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004, confided in Yechury and sought his advice before announcing that she would not be the Prime Minister.
The Nuclear Deal and CPI(M)’s Decision
Yechury’s pragmatic approach was most evident during the India-US nuclear deal debate in 2008. As a member of the UPA-Left coordination committee, Yechury opposed the withdrawal of Left support from the Congress-led government, arguing that the Left should maintain its influence within a secular government. Despite his reservations, the CPI(M) eventually withdrew its support, a decision that Yechury saw as a setback for the moderates within the party. His commitment to his principles was evident when he called Prakash Karat, his party colleague, from Moscow after learning of the decision to withdraw support, questioning how the party had arrived at such a conclusion.
A Diplomatic Leader and Internationalist
Yechury’s international engagements added another dimension to his political career. His trips to countries like China and Cuba reflected his deep commitment to Leftist ideology on a global scale. On one memorable trip to Cuba, he accompanied CPI(M) stalwart Jyoti Basu to meet Fidel Castro. In a late evening meeting, when Castro questioned Basu about India’s industrial capacities, it was Yechury who provided the necessary statistics, a moment that exemplified his preparedness and intellectual rigor.
Personal Life and Challenges
Yechury’s personal life was marked by resilience, particularly after the tragic loss of his son Ashish to Covid-19 in 2021. This event deeply affected him, and although he remained active in public life, it was clear to those close to him that he had been profoundly impacted.
Despite the personal hardships, Yechury continued to contribute to public life, delivering lectures and engaging with intellectual debates. His 2019 Oxford Union lecture was a testament to his enduring passion for discourse and his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi, whom he regarded as a guiding figure in his own political philosophy.
A Man of Many Skills and a Beloved Leader
Throughout his career, Yechury was known for his multilingual abilities, his eloquence in parliamentary debates, and his capacity to connect with people across the political spectrum. His time in the Rajya Sabha, where he was often seen raising critical issues and elevating the level of debate, earned him praise from colleagues and adversaries alike. Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, in his farewell speech to Yechury in 2017, described him as a leader who had grown within his party but never lost the enthusiasm of his student days.
In a lighter moment, Jaitley recalled how Yechury, despite being a staunch communist, often found himself embracing the best aspects of the capitalist West. Whether it was referencing Michael Jackson and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan in his columns or participating in spirited debates, Yechury’s versatility and warmth endeared him to many.
Yechury’s Enduring Influence
Even as CPI(M)’s presence in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies dwindled over the years, Yechury’s influence within the broader opposition camp remained strong. His ability to build bridges across ideological divides, his deep understanding of both domestic and international politics, and his commitment to the values of secularism and social justice made him a significant figure in Indian political life.
Yechury’s death has left a void in Indian politics, particularly within the Left, where his legacy of accommodation and inclusiveness will be remembered for years to come. His body has been donated to AIIMS for medical research and teaching, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to the service of the people.
In the words of his long-time colleague Jyoti Basu, Sitaram Yechury was a "dangerous" man—not because of any malice or aggression but because of his intellectual prowess, his fluency in multiple languages, and his ability to speak to people across divides. For many, he will be remembered as a leader who stayed true to his principles while always keeping an open mind.