Veteran CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury No More; Tributes Pour In From Across Political Divide

New Delhi: General secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday. He was 72.

According to sources, the veteran leader breathed his last at 3.05 pm while undergoing treatment for acute respiratory tract infection at AIIMS, Delhi. He was admitted to the hospital on August 19 due to pneumonia chest infection and was later shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite being ill, he was active on social media till August 29.

“It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of CPI(M) General Secretary and our beloved comrade, Sitaram Yechury, who passed away at 3:03 PM on September 12 at AIIMS, New Delhi. He had been suffering from a respiratory tract infection that developed complications. We extend our thanks to the doctors, nursing staff, and the Director of AIIMS for their excellent treatment and care”, the official X handle of CPI (M) posted.

AIIMS professor in charge (medical cell) Rima Dada, in a statement, said that Yechury’s family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi, for teaching and research purposes.

Yechury has been a member of the Politburo of the CPM since 1992. Previously, he was a Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. He played a key role in drafting the Common Minimum Programme for the United Front government in 1996 and forging the ruling coalition for the UPA government in 2004.

His demise prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum.

Condolence Messages

Our beloved comrade #SitaramYechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today.

Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury! pic.twitter.com/COrcQSuj3A

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 12, 2024

Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation.

He was also my friend with whom I…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 12, 2024

Deeply saddened by the passing of Sitaram Yechury Ji. His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti.

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 12, 2024

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.

A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.

I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Goodbye Tovarish https://t.co/uK5RCBIalz pic.twitter.com/iYBW8omfMR

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 12, 2024

Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics.

I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 12, 2024

Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji’s passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics. He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots… pic.twitter.com/0vL9Jq6ao5

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) September 12, 2024

I am deeply aggrieved by the demise of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. Sitaram was one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left & communist movement in contemporary times.

My association with him went back decades when he was in the students’ movement and I was working in the AIYF.… pic.twitter.com/sK3vmqxjng

— D. Raja (@ComradeDRaja) September 12, 2024

The passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury is a profound loss for all of us.

His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world… pic.twitter.com/DtwXI11jQb

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) September 12, 2024

Absolutely stunned & heartbroken at the untimely demise of #sitaramyechury sir. He was a towering figure of progressive politics & a mentor to so many young people. My deepest condolences to his family, we join you in this time of grief. Lal salaam comrade, rest in power! 💔 pic.twitter.com/aPYoMYDlaE

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 12, 2024