Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) Stalwart, Dies After Prolonged Illness, Tributes Pour In

New Delhi: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) General secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP, died at 72 after prolonged illness. The senior CPI(M) leader was undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi for an acute respiratory tract infection.

Sitaram Yechury was admitted in the ICU at AIIMS Delhi. On Wednesdasy, his condition was critical but stable. He required oxygen support and his condition was being monitored by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, they said. However, the Left stalwart died on Thursday.

The CPI(M) on Tuesday had said in a statement that the 72-year-old leader was being treated for acute respiratory tract infection at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in AIIMS.

Yechury was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of pneumonia-like chest infection.

Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s party flag was at half-mast at the party office in Delhi following the demise of Sitaram Yechury.

“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,” CPI(M) said.

In an official communication, AIIMS Delhi informed, “CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, aged 72, passed away at 3:05 pm today. The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi for teaching and research purposes.”

Several CPI(M) leaders gathered and paid tribute to Left Stalwart Sitaram Yechury at the party office in Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi says he was a friend 

Paying tribute to Sitaram Yechury, Rahul Gandhi said, “He 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.

Loss for national politics, says Mamata Banerjee  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 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.”

Had profound understanding of public policy, says Abhishek Banerjee 

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee 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."

Former MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared his condolence for the veteran CPI(M) leader saying, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Sitaram Yechury, who was a colleague in Parliament with me some years ago.”