CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit at the AIIMS here, breathed his last on Thursday. He was 72 years old.
The CPI-M leader had been admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection.
He was being treated for acute respiratory tract infection and had been on respiratory support for some days now, according to a CPI-M statement on Tuesday, adding his condition was "critical but stable". A multidisciplinary team of doctors was attending on him, it added.
Yechury had succeeded Prakash Karat as the CPI-M chief in 2015.
The Left leader, who underwent a cataract surgery recently, was a member of CPI-M's Politburo-the top decision-making body-for over three decades.
Mourning his passing away, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: "Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with deep understanding of our country".
"I will miss our long discussions we used to have. My heart goes out to his family, friends and followers in this hour of grief," he said in a post on X.
"ADIEU COMRADE Sitaram Yechury Students' Federation of India dips its banner in honour of our beloved comrade, former All India President of SFI and General Secretary of CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury," the party's student wing said on X.
CPI-M: "It is with profound grief we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, the 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications."
"We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed", it added.
In 2015 Yechury took over as the chief of CPI-M, succeeding Prakash Karat with whom he had over three-decade experience in the top decision-making body Politburo. He is also an RS member from 2005-2017.
Tributes and condolences started flowing in from leaders of all political hues for his death as a major loss.
In Kerala, the party flag at the state party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram was lowered. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the late leader had good links with all and "was a respected and liked personality even by his political detractors".
Terming Yechury a friend, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he was "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 said on X.
"ADIEU COMRADE Sitaram Yechury Students' Federation of India dips its banner in honour of our beloved comrade, former All India President of SFI and General Secretary of CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury, said the party's student wing on X.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics.".
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechuri has passed away. I knew the stalwart parliamentarian that he was, and his demise shall be a loss to national politics. Condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.".
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was "Deeply anguished to learn about the unfortunate demise" and added, "contributions to public life will always be remembered". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said: "Deeply pained by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader Sitaram Yechury ji. We had more than many decades of work relations in the Parliament. Extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers".
Tamilsuperstar-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death of Yechury, "a giant of Indian politics", who he underlined that "along his journey from student activist to Statesmen, he left his indelible mark on our national discourse and politics".
Terming Yechury "one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left & communist movement in contemporary times", CPI leader D Raja said, "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.".
"After becoming general secretaries of the CPI & CPI(M), we further worked together for the unity of Left, secular and democratic forces," he said, terming the CPI-M leader "a lucid writer, able parliamentarian and a capable leader" whose loss will be felt in Left and democratic circles".
Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the death, saying Yechury 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.
AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chaddha said, "Late CPI-M leader admired across party lines for his intellect, excellent articulation of his party's positions, and deep-rooted passion for people's causes." He also added, "I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the last decade".
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, termed Yechury "an erudite and articulate leader" who "made a rich contribution towards public service and social justice" and "will be remembered for his deep conviction in his idealogy and policies".
Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule, and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik also condoled his demise.
India's G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant said, ".Having seen him from close quarters when he was the president of the JNU Students' Union, I always marveled at his sparkling and dynamic leadership qualities. An exceptional human being, he had unparalleled warmth, compassion, and a respect for human beings that endeared him to so many. His connects across party lines made him a different voice. His legacy will be invincibly tracked across the country. Rest in peace, Sitaram."
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