"Our beloved comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today. Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury! (sic)," the official social media handles of the party informed today. He was born on August 12, 1952. Aged 72, he was suffering from pneumonia. "The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi, for teaching and research purposes," the doctors said.
Condolences poured in from political leaders and commentators. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Yechury as 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," he added.
AP CM Chandrababu Naidu described Yechury as 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 level."
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin wrote, "He was a fearless leader whose commitment to justice was evident from a young age, as he courageously stood against the Emergency as a student leader. His dedication to the cause of the working class, secularism, social justice, equality, and progressive values shaped a distinguished career that will continue to inspire future generations."
"A rare politician of the old school: he was in politics because he believed he could make the world a better place. A great loss to Indian politics and for all of us who valued integrity, intelligence & decency in public life," wrote senior columnist Vir Sanghvi in his tribute. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan wrote, "Along his journey from student activist to Statesmen, he left his indelible mark on our national discourse and politics. My condolences to his family and well-wishers. Farewell Comrade."
