With the passing away of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, India has lost a bridge that connected revolutionary vision to parliamentary politics, political theory to political practice, and the agenda of national politics to the last person. An architect of the theory and practice of ‘popular front’, he was a vital link that helped bring together all the democratic and secular forces in a collective struggle against the onslaught on our constitutional republic. An iconic student leader, an accomplished parliamentarian, a great orator and a true friend to many across the political divide, Comrade Yechury’s political acumen and humane qualities will be missed not just by the Left but by all those who stand for the idea of India.
A life-long Marxist and a ‘whole-timer’ of the communist movement, Comrade Yechury assumed the leadership of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at a critical moment for the party as well as the country. Steering clear of dogmatism and sectarianism, he guided the party and the entire Left to play a historic role in resisting communalism, authoritarianism and crony capitalism. A lifelong passionate advocate of the working classes, peasantry, dalits, adivasis and all the downtrodden people, Comrade Yechury was a friend to all peoples movements and popular protests. His decision to donate his body for medical research and teaching symbolised the social commitment that he upheld all his life. In connecting multiple regions, languages and communities, his life journey was an embodiment of “Bharat Jodo”.
Lal Salam, Comrade Sitaram Yechury!
– Yogendra Yadav, National Convener, Bharath Jodo Abhiyan
