“A Life-Long Communist, Will Be Sorely Missed”: Sonia Gandhi’s Tribute To Sitaram Yechury

Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, expressed her deep sorrow following the passing of CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, aged 72. In her statement, she fondly remembered working closely with Yechury during the UPA-1 government between 2004 and 2008. Gandhi described him as “uncompromising in his commitment to the values of our country’s Constitution,” highlighting his fierce determination to protect India’s diversity and champion secularism.

She also acknowledged Yechury’s life-long commitment to communism, which was firmly rooted in democratic values. His twelve-year stint in Parliament, she said, left an indelible mark on Indian politics. His role was pivotal not only during UPA-1 but also in the emergence of the INDIA group in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi emphasised that he would be “sorely missed.”

Yechury, who was undergoing treatment for respiratory ailments, passed away at AIIMS, Delhi. A prominent figure in Indian politics, Yechury was admired for his oratory skills, humility, and integrity. Known for his lifelong dedication to communism, he served as CPI(M) general secretary from 2015 and was a key player in shaping the UPA coalition in 2004. Political leaders across the spectrum have paid tribute to him.

Sonia Gandhi’s statement:

“I am very saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury ji. We had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with and the friendship that had been established then continued till his very end. He was uncompromising in his commitment to the values of our country’s Constitution embodied so very forcefully in its Preamble. He was fierce in his determination to protect India’s diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. He was, of course, a life-long communist but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelve-year stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark. He played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He will be sorely missed.”