Remembering Sitaram Yechury: The End of an Era in Indian Politics
Sitaram Yechury, the prominent leader of India’s Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), has passed away at the age of 72. His death, on September 12, 2024, marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian political history. Yechury had been battling a severe respiratory infection and was under treatment at a hospital in Delhi since August 19. His passing has elicited a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting the deep impact he had on Indian politics over several decades.
Yechury’s political journey began in the 1970s when he was a student leader with the left-wing Student Federation of India. His activism during the Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi led to his arrest in 1975, a period when civil liberties were heavily restricted. After his release, Yechury became the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Students’ Union, where he had been pursuing economics. This role set the stage for his future in national politics.
Also Read:- Rolf Harris's Widow, Alwen Hughes, Dies at 93, a Year After Disgraced Husband's Passing
- Jared Isaacman Leads Historic First Private Spacewalk with SpaceX
One of Yechury’s notable achievements was his role in shaping coalition politics in India. In 1996, he was instrumental in forming a coalition of 13 parties that governed the country for nearly two years, with two prime ministers sharing the tenure. This period highlighted Yechury’s adeptness at negotiating diverse political ideologies to maintain government stability. The 2004 parliamentary elections were another milestone, with the CPI(M) achieving a historic 44 seats. However, Yechury’s party later withdrew support from the Congress-led government in 2008 over disagreements about the Indo-US nuclear deal, a decision that sparked controversy and affected the party’s subsequent electoral performance.
Yechury’s tenure as the general secretary of the CPI(M), starting in 2015, was marked by challenges, including the loss of key strongholds and a decline in parliamentary seats. Despite these difficulties, his influence remained significant, both in parliament and in his broader political activism. His tenure also included a period as a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017, during which he made notable contributions to parliamentary debates and legislation.
Tributes have poured in from leaders across the political spectrum. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Yechury as a "friend" and praised his deep understanding of India. Mamata Banerjee, whose party ended the CPI(M)'s long rule in West Bengal, expressed her sorrow, calling his death a loss for national politics.
Yechury’s legacy is also marked by his engagement with modern media and his ability to adapt to new technologies. His eloquence and organizational skills were key to his long-standing influence. His passing is a moment of reflection for those who witnessed his journey and contributions to Indian politics. As we remember Sitaram Yechury, it is clear that his impact on the political landscape of India will be felt for years to come.
Read More:
0 Comments