Sitaram Yechury in 'critical' condition: CPI(M)

Communist Party of India Marxist's general secretary Sitaram Yechury is in a critical condition in AIIMS, the party said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary, CPI(M), is in the intensive care unit of AIIMS New Delhi being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection. He is on respiratory support. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time,” the party said.

Yechury, 72, has been in AIIMS for a while now.

One of the most prominent opposition stalwarts, Yechury has been known for his anti-BJP stance both inside and outside Parliament.

Yechury's clout in the Left Front is evident from the fact that he has been a member of the CPI(M)'s central committee since 1984 and politburo since 1992.

Yechury's term in the Rajya Sabha ended in 2020 when the CPI(M)'s Kerala faction led by Prakash Karat prevailed on the party to deny a re-nomination to the party general secretary on grounds that as a rule, no one is nominated beyond two terms.

Had the CPI(M) decided to nominate Yechury he would have won from West Bengal where the Congress was willing to back him.

Yechury is also famous in political circles as a close advisor to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.