Indian communist leader Sitaram Yechury dies in Delhi hospital

Sitaram Yechury, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), passed away at the age of 72 in a Delhi hospital due to an acute respiratory tract infection. He had been admitted for treatment on August 19. Yechury's political journey began as a student leader, and he was notably arrested during the Emergency in 1975, which marked a significant period of political repression in India. After his release, he became the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he studied economics. Throughout his career, Yechury played a crucial role in coalition politics, particularly during the 1996 formation of a 13-party coalition government. His party achieved a historic victory in the 2004 parliamentary elections, securing 44 seats. However, the CPI(M) faced challenges in maintaining its influence, especially after withdrawing support from the Congress-led government in 2008 over the Indo-US nuclear deal, a decision that sparked controversy and led to a decline in electoral success. Yechury became the general secretary of CPI(M) in 2015, a time when the party was losing its strongholds, including West Bengal. He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017, contributing to national politics during a transformative period. His death has prompted tributes from various political leaders, highlighting his significant impact on Indian politics and his commitment to the ideals of the left. Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, among others, expressed their condolences, recognizing Yechury's role as a protector of the Idea of India and acknowledging the void his passing leaves in national politics. His legacy will be remembered for his dedication to coalition-building and his efforts to navigate the complexities of India's political landscape.