Leading Light Of Left: Prime Minister Modi Mourns Sitaram Yechury’s Death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), describing him as a “leading light of the Left.” Yechury, who passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 72 after battling pneumonia, had been admitted to Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister acknowledged Yechury’s ability to connect across political lines and praised his contributions as an effective parliamentarian. “Saddened by the passing away of 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,” said PM Modi.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, noting Yechury’s distinct and influential voice in national politics. “First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends across party lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues,” she posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reflected on Yechury’s contribution to the political sphere, calling his demise a significant loss. “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,” Shah said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his message, recalled Yechury as a friend with whom he had many interactions. “Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend, with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!” Singh said.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and several other prominent leaders shared their condolences. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sitaram Yechury, a veteran CPIM leader. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May memories of his life and legacy bring strength and solace,” Saha said.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal referred to Yechury as a “good friend” and spoke of the bond they had despite differing political ideologies. “Yechury Ji was an MP when I came to Rajya Sabha for the first time in 2010. He was a very happy person and a good friend. He devoted his entire life to the service of the nation. Though our politics and ideologies differed, there was never any bitterness. I have learned a lot from him and he will always be alive in our hearts. I pray to God to give peace to his soul and strength to his family during this difficult time.”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed similar sentiments, noting Yechury’s influence and the loss it represents for the Communist Party. “I’m very sorry to hear this news. I knew he was admitted to AIIMS for treatment of a chest infection, but it is really sad to hear of his passing. If I can recall, he’s my senior from JNU. The first time I entered Rajya Sabha in 2014, he was still a member. It is a big loss for the Communist Party.”

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan described Yechury as a man of conviction who stood by his ideas. “It is a big loss for his party, friends, and family. But I also feel a personal loss because I have known him for a long time. We all started taking an interest in active politics around the same time. He was a man of conviction, who stood by his ideas and was fully committed to what he believed in. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah shared a personal note of loss, saying, “He was a very dear friend and India is now deprived of such a leader who spoke freely. His view was that this country belongs to all of us, no matter what language you speak, and it should stay that way. Everyone has to leave this world eventually, but the battles he fought for us will always be remembered. Today, I cannot believe that he is no longer among us.”

“He was a very dear friend and India is now deprived of such a leader who spoke freely. His view was that this country belongs to all of us, no matter which language you belong to and it should be left like this…Everyone has to leave this country and this world…You came from there and you have to go back there. What all battles did he (Sitaram Yechury) not fight for us…Today I cannot believe that he is no longer among us,” Farooq said.