Manashimaya
With the death of Sitaram Yechury in 2024 at the age of 72, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), in India comes to an end of an era. Even as the CPI(M) suffered setbacks, Yechury continued to be a respected and influential person in Delhi and beyond, despite the party’s declining political presence in recent years. His long-lasting political career is a testament to his dedication to communist philosophy, making him a well-known figure who was instrumental in determining the direction taken by the CPI(M).
Sitaram Yechury: Veteran Leftist Leader Who Maintained Influence in Delhi Amidst CPI(M) Decline began his political journey during his student days at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he emerged as a strong student leader. An iconic image of Yechury reading out a charter of demands to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency remains a testament to his early commitment to democratic principles. His leadership abilities eventually saw him rise through the ranks of CPI(M), culminating in his election as the party’s general secretary in 2015. Even as the party’s influence waned, Yechury’s influence in Delhi’s political circles never diminished.
One of the defining moments in Sitaram Yechury: Veteran Leftist Leader Who Maintained Influence in Delhi Amidst CPI(M) Decline was his tenure in the Rajya Sabha between 2005 and 2017. Known for his sharp intellect and unwavering stance, Yechury played a pivotal role in ensuring the Upper House acted as a check on legislation from the Lok Sabha, especially when it came to faulty bills. His speeches in Parliament often elevated the standard of debate, earning him admiration from both allies and adversaries. Yechury’s close association with Congress leaders, particularly Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, further cemented his political standing, even as the CPI(M) struggled to maintain relevance.
Sitaram Yechury: Veteran Leftist Leader Who Maintained Influence in Delhi Amidst CPI(M) Decline navigated his party through challenging times, particularly when it came to its alliance with the Congress during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Although he opposed the CPI(M)’s withdrawal of support from the UPA in 2008, Yechury remained steadfast in his moderate stance, advocating for continued engagement with secular forces. His pragmatic approach often set him apart from more ideologically rigid party members, reflecting his deep understanding of India’s political landscape.
Under Sitaram Yechury: Veteran Leftist Leader Who Maintained Influence in Delhi Amidst CPI(M) Decline, the CPI(M) saw successes, particularly in Kerala, where the Left bloc won consecutive assembly elections in 2016 and 2021. However, the party’s losses in West Bengal and Tripura, once its strongholds, highlighted the overall decline of the Left in India. Despite these setbacks, Yechury’s influence endured, particularly in Delhi, where he maintained close ties with key political figures.
In his personal life, Sitaram Yechury: Veteran Leftist Leader Who Maintained Influence in Delhi Amidst CPI(M) Decline was deeply affected by the loss of his son, Asish Yechury, to Covid-19 in 2021. His passing is not only a personal loss to his family but also a significant blow to India’s leftist movement, marking the end of an era for a party that once played a dominant role in the nation’s political discourse. Yechury’s legacy, however, remains one of dedication, intellect, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democratic socialism.
