RIP Sitaram Yechury: Charting His Political Milestones

Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and a former Rajya Sabha MP, passed away on September 12, 2024, at AIIMS Delhi. The 72-year-old had been receiving treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection since August 19. He is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti, and daughter, Akhila Yechury.

Yechury's last public message was a video posted on August 22, where he expressed his regrets about not being able to attend a memorial for former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in person.

Sitaram Yechury: A Political Timeline

1952-1970: Early Life and Education

• Born in Chennai (formerly Madras) on August 12, 1952
• Obtained primary education from Hyderabad
• Shifted to Delhi in 1969 due to the Telangana movement
• Completed Bachelors degree in Economics from Delhi University's St. Stephen's College
• Pursued Masters degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

1970s: Student Politics and Emergence as a Leader

• Joined the Students' Federation of India (SFI) in 1974
• Became a member of the CPI(M) in 1975
• Played a key role in the JNU student union, including as president thrice between 1977-78
• Organized protests against the administration at JNU, sowing the seeds for the Left's strong presence in universities

1980s: Rise to Prominence within CPI(M)

• Left SFI as president in 1984 to join CPI(M) central committee
• Elected to CPI(M) Congress in 1985
• Joined CPI(M) central secretariat in 1988
• Became a member of CPI(M) politburo in 1992

1990s: Key Roles in UPA Formation and Nuclear Deal

• Worked on a common minimum programme for the United Front government in 1996
• Elected to Rajya Sabha in 2004
• Played a key role in shaping CPI(M)'s stance on foreign policy issues, including opposing the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement

2000s: Criticism of Modi Government and Support for UPA

• Criticized the Modi government's policies, including its handling of price rise and communalism
• Supported the UPA government from outside, despite opposition from within CPI(M) on issues like nuclear deal

2010s: Leadership Role and Criticism of Modi Government

• Elected as CPI(M) general secretary in 2015
• Criticized the Modi government's economic policies, including its handling of demonetization and GST
• Led CPI(M)'s opposition to BJP's policies, including its handling of communalism and social issues

2020s: Later Years and Passing

• Continued to serve as CPI(M) general secretary until his death in 2024
• Remained a vocal critic of the Modi government's policies, using social media platforms to express his views
• Passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 72