Who Was Sitaram Yechury? A Prominent Face Of CPI(M) For Decades

Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Wednesday after being hospitalised for over a month. He was 72.

He died in New Delhi's All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed. He was suffering from a respiratory track infection.

Known for his suave demeanor and soft-spoken nature, Yechury was widely regarded as a dynamic leader capable of bridging gaps both within and outside his party. His passing marks the end of an era for the CPI(M), a party he had been associated with since his student days.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 12, 1952, in a Telugu family in Madras (now Chennai), Yechury completed his schooling in Andhra Pradesh, excelling academically by standing first in the CBSE higher secondary examination. He pursued higher education at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, where he graduated with honors in Economics, and later earned an M.A. in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. However, his academic career was cut short when he was arrested during the Emergency, forcing him to discontinue his Ph.D. studies.

Early Political Involvement and Rise in CPI(M)

Yechury's entry into politics was influenced by the Communist movement during his student years. He joined the Student Federation of India (SFI) in 1974 and was arrested a year later for opposing the internal Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His commitment to the cause led to his election as the president of JNU's students' union. By 1978, he had risen to the national joint secretary of the SFI and later became the national president.

Yechury's political career within the CPI(M) continued to ascend rapidly. He was invited to join the Central Committee of the party in 1984 and was elected to the politburo, the party's top decision-making body, in 1992.

Parliamentary Career and Leadership

Yechury was first elected to the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, in 2005, and was re-elected in 2011. Over his parliamentary career, he served on various committees and was recognized for his ability to rally opposition forces, particularly when they held a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

A politician, economist, writer, and columnist, Yechury was known for his effective communication skills and his efforts to strengthen the CPI(M) amid a series of electoral challenges. He authored several books, including "Left Hand Drive," "What is this Hindu Rashtra," "Socialism in the 21st Century," "Communalism vs Secularism," and "Ghrina Ki Rajniti" (Hindi).

Personal Life and Legacy

Yechury was married to journalist Seema Chisti and had a daughter and two sons from his first marriage. A sports enthusiast, he was the captain of the lawn tennis team during his university days, and his hobbies included reading, writing, and listening to music.

Yechury's death has left a significant void in Indian politics, particularly within the leftist movement. His leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to connect with people across political lines made him one of the most respected figures in Indian politics. As the CPI(M) and its supporters mourn his loss, his contributions to the party and his unwavering commitment to the principles of socialism and secularism will be remembered for years to come.