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The passing of Sitaram Yechury, veteran Marxist leader and CPI(M) general secretary, sparked a wave of tributes and solemn farewells. His mortal remains were brought to the party headquarters, AKG Bhavan, on September 14, 2024, draped in the red flag of the CPI(M). The atmosphere was heavy with grief as party leaders, colleagues, and admirers gathered to pay their respects. The chants of 'Lal Salaam' echoed through the halls as a poignant symbol of the revolutionary spirit Yechury embodied throughout his life.
Leaders from across the political spectrum came to AKG Bhavan to express their condolences. Among them were prominent figures from the Congress, including Sonia Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, Rajeev Shukla, and others. Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Sachin Pilot, Ramesh Chennithala, and numerous other leaders from diverse parties, including the NCP(SP), Samajwadi Party, DMK, RJD, AAP, CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation, joined in paying their last respects.
The outpouring of respect extended beyond India's political landscape. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai, Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Alhaija, former Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, former CIC Wajahat Habibullah, and eminent historian Romila Thapar were among those who expressed their condolences. Hundreds of supporters, party leaders, and members of the organization joined a march from the party office to Jantar Mantar, chanting 'Lal Salaam', as Yechury's body was taken to AIIMS for organ donation.
Yechury's legacy extends far beyond his political career. As a student at JNU, he was a prominent figure in the Students Federation of India (SFI), serving as the president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) on three occasions. His commitment to social justice, equality, and intellectual discourse resonated deeply with students and faculty alike. His contributions to the academic sphere further cemented his place in the hearts of many.
Yechury's death is a significant loss for the CPI(M) and for Indian politics as a whole. He was a stalwart advocate for the working class, a champion of democratic values, and a dedicated voice for those marginalized by society. His dedication to his beliefs and his unwavering commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations to come. As his life comes to a close, his legacy remains etched in the annals of Indian history as a symbol of unwavering conviction and a champion of a just and equitable society.
Source: Tributes paid to Sitaram Yechury at CPI (M) headquarters in Delhi