Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), tragically passed away on 12 September 2024. Sitaram was a lifelong communist, intellectual, activist and leader, who had been a politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) since 1992.
A brief biographical sketch by the Student Federation of India (SFI) UK branch reads as follows:
Comrade Sitaram first got involved in the student movement while studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1974, where he became a leader of the Students Federation of India and was elected president of the JNU Students Union. He became a full-time member of the CPI(M) in 1975 and like hundreds of other activists in India, he was arrested during the emergency. His photograph reading out charges against the Indira Gandhi government has gained iconic status where he demanded the resignation of the Chancellor and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
His clarity on uniting India’s working class and overcoming deep divisions of caste, gender, religion, and geography, made him one of India’s most important political voices. For the general elections held this year, Yechury was central to forging broad unity and building the secular and democratic opposition alliance INDIA. Comrade Sitaram carried forward the left’s legacy of anti-imperialism and internationalism with his constant solidarity with popular movements across the globe, such as the Palestinian movement for liberation and popular movements in Latin America.
On 23 September, the SFI held an event at Marx Memorial Library in London to honour and remember comrade Sitaram’s life. The meeting was addressed by SFI General Secretary Mayukh Biswas, Indian Workers’ Association (GB) Vice President Harsev Bains, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers President Alex Gordon, Economic Counsellor from the Cuban Embassy Marta Castillo, SFI UK Secretary Nikhil Mathew, Young Communist League London Secretary Ben Woodward, Communist Party of Britain London Secretary Robin Talbot, and Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez.
Carlos highlighted the urgently-needed clarity that Sitaram Yechury and other key leaders of the CPI(M) had brought to the world communist movement in the confusing period of the late 1980s and early 90s – the ‘end of history’, when European socialism had all but collapsed and the Washington Consensus reigned supreme. Many at that time assumed that China was following, or had already followed, a path of capitalist restoration. However, as Deng Xiaoping commented to Julius Nyerere in 1989: “so long as socialism does not collapse in China, it will always hold its ground in the world.” Comrade Sitaram was a trailblazer in understanding Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, building solidarity with China and the other remaining socialist countries, and helping to explain to the global movement the evolving reality of China’s Marxist project.
Harsev Bains noted that Sitaram had rearranged his busy schedule in order to be able to address in person the conference in London on 28 September celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of People’s China. Comrade Yechury will be very sadly missed at that event.
We republish below an article from People’s Democracy, the English weekly newspaper of the Communist Party of India, containing a number of tributes to Sitaram from around the world.
Communist and Workers’ Parties from around the world have expressed their condolences on the passing away of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, sent a condolence message to the Party: “With great sadness, we have learned today, in the spirit of affection and solidarity that characterizes us, of the passing of Comrade General Secretary, brother Sitaram Yechury, an outstanding champion for the rights of the peoples.” He expressed his ‘sincere and profound sentiments for the departure of this brother for all of us, a comrade in struggles,’ who has ‘contributed to fighting the battles of justice, truth, and fraternity among the human community.’
The Communist Party of China (CPC) lauded Comrade Sitaram Yechury in its condolence message, praising him as an outstanding leader and Marxist theorist. “He contributed significantly to promoting Left forces and the socialist movement, as well as national development and social progress in India,” they stated. They also highlighted his ‘significant contribution to China-India friendship’ and extended their condolences to the Party and his family.
In a message from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), Emilio Lozada Garcia, head of the International Department, expressed his deepest condolences to the leadership of the CPI(M), all Party members, and the family of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. He recalled Yechury’s immense contribution to building the Cuba solidarity movement in India.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) paid tribute, noting that Comrade Sitaram Yechury was an influential leader of the CPI(M) and the Left movement in India. They remembered his contributions to the international movement for peace, solidarity, and the comprehensive friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.
The Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) extended their condolences, recalling Comrade Sitaram Yechury’s numerous visits to the DPRK and his contributions to strengthening fraternal relations between both the parties.
Gennady Zyuganov, chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), sent his condolences, remembering Comrade Sitaram Yechury as a fighter for the socialist future of India, a respected leader of the international communist movement, and a friend of Russia.
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in its condolence message, expressed great sadness over the death of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. “Comrade Sitaram made a significant contribution to the international communist movement and the International Meetings of the Communist and Workers’ Parties (IMCWP), remaining faithful to the principles of proletarian internationalism,” they stated. They also recalled Comrade Sitaram’s visit to Greece and his role in strengthening relations between the two parties.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) remembered Comrade Sitaram Yechury’s honourable revolutionary career in service of the Party and the people. “We also emphasize his outstanding and prestigious role in the international communist and revolutionary movement, as well as his committed contribution, from the beginning, to the establishment and strengthening of the relations of friendship, cooperation, and international solidarity that bind our two Parties,” they noted. They further stated that his demise comes at a challenging time for communist parties around the world and is a huge loss.
The Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), Cyprus, expressed their profound grief at the passing away of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. They remarked that “his political commitment, integrity, and forward-thinking actions in all the tasks he was entrusted with proved important at crucial times and earned him respect across the political spectrum.” They also recalled Comrade Sitaram’s visit to Cyprus and his efforts in fostering closer relations between the two parties.
The Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB) offered their condolences to the Party’s leadership, members, and the family and loved ones of Comrade Sitaram Yechury. They stated: “Several cadres of our Party had the chance to meet Comrade Sitaram at international conferences, seminars, and meetings. We can confirm that he radiated commitment, integrity, firm leadership, and a sense of humour.”
The Communist Party of Turkey (TKP), expressing their deep grief, stated that Comrade Sitaram was a “humble example of a dedicated soldier of principles until his last breath.” “For the communists of Turkey, it was an honour to get to know him and feel his comradeship,” they noted.
The Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) remembered Comrade Sitaram Yechury as a person who left an indelible mark with his firm revolutionary commitment and keen tactical insights. He was a friend to both the Indian and Brazilian proletariat, they stated.
K P Oli, president of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and a former prime minister of Nepal, stated that Yechury was a “very good and close friend of our Party and people of Nepal. We highly appreciate his active support during the peoples’ movement against the monarchy in Nepal”. Stating that Yechury was a ‘brilliant ideologist in the Left movement in India’, he noted that ‘his sudden demise is a great loss, not only to the Indian Left movement, but also the Left and progressive movement in South Asia’.
In its message, Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), stated: “Democratic Nepal regards him (Com Sitaram Yechury) as a significant friend in times of need. His substantial contributions to the democratic movement in Nepal, particularly through mobilising critical support at pivotal moments are deeply appreciated”. The statement mentioned, “his passing is a profound loss for our Party and our people”, and expressed their heartfelt condolences.
Janata Vimukti Perumana (JVP), Sri Lanka, paid their tributes to Comrade Sitaram Yechury, for his ‘service to the masses’, who fought ‘for their better life inside the parliament as an MP and outside as the leader of the poor’. “Generations to come will benefit from the examples he set and we will march forward towards the free and just society he aspired for”.
Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) expressing their grief noted that Comrade Sitaram is an acknowledged leader of the international movement. “He was a source of inspiration, knowledge and strength”. They remembered his contributions for the strengthening of relations between fraternal parties and said that they were worthy of admiration.
The Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) stated that with a heavy heart they had received the sad news that ‘Comrade Sitaram is no longer physically with us’. Imdad Qazi, the general secretary of CPP, stated “I have lost not only a comrade, a friend, but also a true friend of the Communist Party of Pakistan”.
The Awami Workers’ Party of Pakistan in its message referred to Comrade Sitaram Yechury’s passing away as a great loss. “He is veteran leader of the communist movement of the South Asia”, they stated. “His unwavering leadership as a communist despite hardship is an example to communists everywhere”.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) in their statement said that Comrade Yechury’s untimely death will be a ‘big loss for the communist and democratic movement of India’. “Comrade Sitaram had very good feelings for the people of Bangladesh and always promoted enhanced friendship with Bangladesh, they remembered.
The Workers’ Party of Bangladesh (WPB), remembered Comrade Sitaram as a close friend of the WPB and a ‘very known political figure in Bangladesh also’. They also noted the role played by Comrade Sitaram in strengthening the fraternal relations between the WPB and the CPI(M).
The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) noted that Comrade Sitaram Yechury ‘made significant contributions in promoting friendship and solidarity between the Japanese Communist Party and the CPI(M). They expressed their deep respect for Comrade Yechury’s ‘long standing work as a communist’.
Foreign Minister of the Sahrawi Republic, Mohammed Sidaty, conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi people: “His dedication and service left an indelible mark on the promotion of social justice and international solidarity to advance the right of peoples to self-determination. It is often said that the measure of a person’s life is the legacy they leave behind, and Mr Sitaram Yechury’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered and respected for years to come.”
Condolence messages were also received from the Communist Party of Venezuela (CPV), Communist Party of Mexico (PCM), Brazilian Communist Party (PCB), Communist Party of the USA (CPUSA), Communist Party of Spain (PCE), Communist Party of the Workers’ of Spain (PCTE), Communist Party of France (PCF), Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), Communist Party of Germany (DKP), Communist Refoundation Party, Italy, Galizan Peoples’ Forum (UPG), New Communist Party of Yugoslavia (NCPY), New Communist Party of the Netherlands (NCPN), Tudeh Party, Iran, Kuwaiti Progressive Movement, Revolutionary Communist League of Bangladesh, CPN Unity, National Campaign (Nepal) and Communist Party of Burma (CPB).
Apart from the Communist and Workers’ Parties, director of Marx Memorial Library, London, general secretary of World Peace Council (WPC) and editor of Communist Review, London also sent their condolence messages.
Excellencies ambassadors Xu Feihong (China), Nguyen Thanh Hai (Vietnam), Abel Aballe Despaigne (Cuba), Choe Hui Chol (DPRK), Denis Alpov (Russia), Adnan Abu Alhaijaa (Palestine) and Dr Bassam Seifeddin Alkhatib (Syria) visited the Party headquarters and signed the condolence register expressing their profound grief. All of them remembered their association with Sitaram Yechury and expressed heartfelt appreciation for his contributions to develop the international communist movement.