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This article is a heartfelt tribute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury, a prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist), written by an anonymous author who shares a long history of collaboration with him. The author begins by acknowledging the personal loss they feel at Yechury’s passing, highlighting their intertwined political journeys spanning five decades. Their comradeship, initiated at Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1974, evolved through the Students’ Federation of India and ultimately into the CPI(M). This shared trajectory saw them both rise through the ranks of the Party, culminating in their positions within the Polit Bureau.
The author then focuses on Yechury's intellectual contributions to the CPI(M), particularly his role in shaping the Party's ideological positions grounded in Marxism-Leninism. They highlight Yechury’s commitment to the principles outlined in the 1968 Burdwan Plenum, which established an independent path for the Indian Communist movement amidst international ideological divides. Yechury’s work is further exemplified by his critical analysis of Mikhail Gorbachev’s pronouncements during the 70th anniversary of the October Revolution, which challenged prevailing Marxist analyses. He spearheaded the CPI(M) in drafting resolutions that articulated a nuanced critique of Gorbachev’s reformist approach and warned of the dangers posed by internal developments within the Soviet Union.
The author emphasizes Yechury’s pivotal role in navigating the CPI(M) through the tumultuous post-Soviet era. They highlight his leadership in crafting ideological documents that addressed the fall of the Soviet Union and its implications for the Party’s future. This involved the crucial ‘On Certain Ideological Issues’ resolution adopted at the 14th Congress in 1992, where Yechury’s expertise in Marxist theory earned him the recognition of the Party’s leadership. He further spearheaded the organization of an international seminar on the validity of Marxism, bringing together 21 Communist parties in 1993 to grapple with the setbacks suffered by socialism in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse. His contributions to the CPI(M)'s ideological framework continued, leading to the comprehensive document ‘Resolution on Some Ideological Issues’ presented at the 20th Congress in 2012.
The author also delves into Yechury’s significant contribution to the struggle against Hindutva ideology. They point to his incisive critique of M.S. Golwalkar’s book, ‘We or Our Nationhood Defined,’ published in 1939. Yechury's analysis of the book’s fascist leanings and its core ideas, particularly the concept of Hindu Rashtra, exposed the ideological foundations of Hindutva. This work, published in Frontline, earned recognition from A.G. Noorani, a renowned expert on the RSS, showcasing Yechury’s insightful grasp of Hindutva’s ideological underpinnings. His commitment to secularism and defense against communal forces stemmed from this keen understanding.
The article further outlines Yechury’s role in the process of updating the CPI(M)'s Programme, the Party’s foundational document outlining its strategic path. He played a crucial role in revising the Programme to reflect the changing international and domestic political landscapes, particularly the rise of neo-liberalism and its impact on India’s capitalist trajectory. He actively engaged in the debates surrounding the Programme, contributing his expertise on international finance capital and neo-liberal capitalism. Notably, Yechury's efforts ensured the retention of the crucial formulation on the character of the Indian State in the updated version of the Programme.
The article concludes by highlighting Yechury’s leadership in confronting the BJP’s rise to power in 2014 and the subsequent challenges to India’s secular-democratic principles. His strategic acumen, coupled with his deep commitment to Marxism-Leninism and secularism, made him a formidable figure in Indian politics. The author emphasizes Yechury's legacy as a dedicated Communist who tirelessly championed the cause of a socialist society free from exploitation. His contributions, marked by his sharp intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to principles, continue to inspire generations of Communists and progressives alike.
Source: A Tribute to Comrade Sitaram