Sitaram Yechury, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 72. A towering figure in Indian politics, Yechury was known for his staunch Marxist ideology and pragmatic approach to navigating India's shifting political landscape.
Born on August 12, 1947, in Andhra Pradesh, Yechury’s political journey began during his student days at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he became deeply involved in activism during the Telangana agitation. His role in mobilizing student protests, particularly during the Emergency (1975-77), shaped his career, and his leadership in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) left a lasting impact.
Yechury served as the General Secretary of CPIM from 2015 to 2022, where his pragmatic stance on electoral alliances contrasted with his predecessor Prakash Karat’s rigid ideological purity. He supported forming coalitions with non-communist parties, including the Congress, to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This approach brought him closer to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, sharing common beliefs in social justice.
Throughout his fifty-year career, Yechury remained committed to Marxist principles while advocating for modernizing the CPIM. His passing marks the end of an era for the party, leaving a legacy of ideological conviction and political adaptability.
