New Delhi: Sitaram Yechury, a prominent Left leader and skilled parliamentarian, was known for his cross-party political connections and influential role in shaping the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). Yechury’s insightful parliamentary interventions, along with his efforts to forge pragmatic alliances, made him a central figure in the political landscape.
Born in Chennai in 1952, Yechury’s political career began with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) in 1974. He later became a key leader of CPI-M, serving as general secretary from 2015 and representing the party in the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017. Throughout his journey, he remained a strong advocate for Leftist ideologies, influencing national politics despite the CPI-M’s declining electoral fortunes.
Yechury’s speeches in Parliament were highly respected, earning him the Best Parliamentarian Award in 2017. His passing has been met with tributes from across the political spectrum, with figures like Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi highlighting his contributions to protecting India’s constitutional values and secularism.
A prolific writer and multilingual intellectual, Yechury also played a significant role in expanding the CPI-M’s international connections. His passing is considered a great loss for the party and the broader Left movement in India.
