Left Stalwart Sitaram Yechury Dies At 72 After Prolonged Illness, Condolences Pour In

Veteran CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday (September 12) at the age of 72, as reported by PTI. The senior Indian politician had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS New Delhi for a pneumonia-like chest infection since August 19. Leaders from across political parties expressed their condolences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a picture of him with late Sitaram Yechury in his condolences post and said, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah also wrote a message and said, “Saddened to hear about the passing of General Secretary of the CPI (M) and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury Ji. His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this difficult time.”

Former MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “Saddened to hear abt the passing of Shri @SitaramYechury  who was a colleague in Parliament with me some years ago🙏🏻 My deepest condolences to his family and supporters.”

Cabinet Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X and said, I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers.”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared a picture on X and wrote, “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.”

Mamata Banerjee , Chief Minister of West Bengal also posted on X and said, “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.” 

Abhishek Banerjee, National General Secretary, All India Trinamool Congress said, Sad to hear about the passing of veteran CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. While our political ideologies often clashed, I had the privilege of interacting with him during several opposition meetings over the last couple of years. His simplicity, profound understanding of public policy and keen insight into parliamentary affairs were truly remarkable. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who admired him. May his soul find peace. Om Shanti!”

CM of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed condolences and said, “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 level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace.” 

Chief Minister of Assam , Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X and said, “Pained by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury ji. An erudite and articulate leader, he made a rich contribution towards public service and social justice. In his long and distinguished political career,  which began during the anti emergency andolan, he served the people and his party with great diligence. He will be remembered for his deep conviction in his idealogy and policies. My condolences to Smt Seema Chishti ji, his family and his admirers.”

“Sitaram Yechury was a lucid writer”, said General Secretary, Communist Party of India D. Raja in his condolences post for Late Sitaram Yechury. He said, "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. After coming to the national centre, we worked together in many forums like the steering committee of the United Front government and later in shaping the common minimum program of the UPA-1."

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Former Chief Minister J&K, shared some pictures of him and Late Sitaram Yechury and said, “Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of my dear friend Sitaram Yechury ji. We’ve lost a great statesman, a dedicated parliamentarian, and a remarkable human being. His demise is a tremendous loss for national politics. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & colleagues.”

Rajiv Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha, Vice-President BCCI said, “Pained to know about demise of veteran leader and former parliamentarian Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He  dedicated his life to the service of the people and contributed immensely to Indian politics and public discourse. His absence will always be felt. My condolences to his family.”

Congress Leader Sachin Pilot posted on X and said, “My heartfelt condolences on the demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. A true statesman, his unwavering commitment to the public service and social justice will always be remembered.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and followers. May his soul find eternal peace.” 

Former CM of Odisha , Naveen Patnaik shared a condolences post on X and said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of veteran CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury after prolonged illness. The eloquent, erudite and affable leader will be sorely missed during debates on issues of national importance. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends and followers in the hour of grief. #OmShanti”