Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Sitaram Yechury as an unparalleled and courageous leader of the communist movement. “With profound sorrow and heartfelt pain, I received the news of Sitaram Yechury’s passing,” said the Chief Minister. Yechury, who rose from the student movement, led the CPI(M) as General Secretary for nine years through politically challenging phases. He served as a guiding light for both the CPI(M) and the broader leftist movement in Indian politics by shaping clear positions and guiding principles.
The Chief Minister noted that Yechury’s absence represents an irreplaceable loss to the nation, particularly at a time when the country and its people are facing severe crises.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan remarked that Yechury was a leader who prioritized practical politics. “While maintaining principled positions grounded in the fundamental tenets of ideology, Yechury’s approach was practical and pragmatic. He was a leader who emphasized practicality in politics beyond ideological rigidity.
Yechury firmly believed that protecting minority rights and upholding the idea of India was essential for the nation’s progress. He was fully aware of Congress’s leadership role in this regard and expressed his political stance clearly and explicitly.
Though he was gentle in Indian politics, he consistently demonstrated firmness in his positions. Following Harkishan Singh Surjeet, Yechury was a significant CPI(M) General Secretary noted nationally. He maintained a warm relationship with the Congress’s national leadership. Yechury was also supportive of the formation of the India Alliance. He was a leader with whom I had a close relationship. I share in the grief of his family and friends,” Satheesan added.
The CPI(M) State Committee expressed deep sorrow through a condolence message. “The news of Comrade Sitaram Yechury’s passing is extremely painful for party workers in Kerala. We have lost a prominent communist leader who loved Kerala and significantly contributed to the party and its organizational and political aspects.
Comrade Sitaram provided ideological and organizational strength to the party in Kerala. He passed away recently while receiving treatment for a lung infection at Delhi AIIMS. He was one of the most important leaders of the CPI(M) and the communist movement in the country.
Comrade Yechury’s passing is a profound loss to the CPI(M), democratic secularists, and the nation. The CPI(M) State Committee expresses deep condolences and will observe three days of mourning in the state as a mark of respect. All party programs, including meetings, will be postponed. Condolence events will be organized locally after 4 PM on Saturday. The party flag will be flown at half-mast for a week,” the CPI(M) State Committee stated.
The CPI(M) Politburo also expressed condolences, recognizing Sitaram Yechury as a distinguished leader and renowned Marxist theoretician. “The passing of Sitaram Yechury is a significant loss, as he was a leading figure in the leftist movement,” the Politburo said.
Minister V. Shivan Kutty described Yechury as a leader with a philosophical personality who took on the political and organizational responsibility of shaping India’s socio-political landscape for public movements. Rising as a people’s leader through struggles during the Emergency, Yechury’s passing is a significant loss to India, the leftist movement, and especially the CPI(M). Personally, it is a substantial loss for me as well. I had a close relationship with him. Red salute, Comrade,” Shivan Kutty said.
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu remarked that India has lost a strong voice against fascism and neo-colonialism. “At the most crucial time, the loss is that of a revolutionary talent who upheld secular India’s banner. The communist movement’s contribution to the nation is significant,” the minister noted.
