Leaders of various political parties condole Yechury's death
Leaders cutting across the political spectrum condoled CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury's passing, with many hailing him as an effective parliamentarian, a pillar of the CPI(M) and an "unrepentant Marxist" with a pragmatic streak.
Yechury (72) died at AIIMS in Delhi following prolonged illness. He had been in a critical condition for the past few days and was on respiratory support.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled Yechury's demise and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar condoled his passing and said Yechury left behind a rich legacy of unwavering commitment to public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Yechury was a leading light of the Left and known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum," Modi said in a post on X.
"He also made a mark as an effective parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," the prime minister said.
The CPI(M) also expressed profound grief over the death of its general secretary and described Yechury's passing as a big blow for the Left, democratic and secular forces.
The Congress also condoled Yechury's death, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi saying he was a protector of the idea of India with a deep understanding of the country.
Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said Yechury was an excellent parliamentarian and an outstanding intellectual who served the people of India with pragmatism blended with idealism.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi said Yechury was fierce in his determination to protect India's diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Sitaram Yechury ji 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," the former Congress chief said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled Yechury's demise and said his passing "is a profound loss for all of us".
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Yechury was an "unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPI(M), and a superb Parliamentarian".
BJP leaders and Union ministers also paid tribute to Yechury and said his contributions to public life would always be remembered.
"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," senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.
Extending heartfelt condolences to Yechury's family and loved ones, Union minister and former BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the CPI(M) leader's contributions to public life would always be remembered.
Union minister Piyush Goyal said Yechury gave his entire life for the country.
Several chief ministers also condoled Yechury's death with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling it a loss to national politics.
"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 national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," she said on X.
The chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, among others, also expressed grief.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed shock over Yechury's passing.
