Country loses an illustrious son in Yechury’s untimely demise
By P. Sreekumaran
There is a saying in Malayalam that death is a clown who lacks a sense of the stage. The adage has been proved yet again in the sad and untimely passing away of Communist Party of India(Marxist)(CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.
An epoch has come to a close with Yechury’s exit from the political scene, which he strode like a colossus. The end has come at a time when his presence was most needed. The battle against the forces of communalism which he led from the front along with leaders of other political parties is only half won.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Yechury played a pivotal role in arresting the ominous march of the communal forces in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections. If the INDIA alliance has managed to score a decisive victory by forcing the BJP to fall below the simple majority mark, it is due, to a great extent, to the tireless efforts and signal contributions made by comrade Yechury.
The country owes him a deep debt of gratitude for ensuring, along with other political party leaders, that the attempts by the fascist forces to usher in an authoritarian regime were comprehensively defeated. Not only that. Comrade Yechury also saw to it that the nation now has a viable alternative which is strong enough to ensure that India remains a democratic and secular country playing its assigned role in the comity of nations and inspiring other countries to thwart the machinations of authoritarian forces.
Yechury had a soft corner for Kerala. Comrades in Kerala fondly recall that he shared a very close bond with the people of the State and especially Kannur ever since the district hosted the 23rd party congress. The ties became closer when he participated in the Martyrs Day celebrations at Karivellur in 2022 and Kavumbai in 2023. He was also active in the recent Lok Sabha election campaign. Mention must also be made of his special friendship with veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, whom he described as the Fidel Castro of India.
His demise has touched off a wave of sorrow, shock and disbelief across the State and cutting across political barriers. As a mark of respect, CPI(M) offices in the State flew the party flag at half mast. CPI(M) workers raised a black flag in front of the party’s headquarters at AKG Centre in the State capital.
Leading those who paid rich tributes to the departed communist leader were Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In his condolence message, the Governor referred to Yechury’s unflinching commitment to democracy and people’s welfare.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered him as a veteran communist leader who commanded the respect of even the party’s political rivals through the sheer dint of his refined and gentlemanly approach to politics. He steered the CPI(M) through extremely difficult situations during his nine-year term as the general secretary, adding that it was a personal loss for him, too.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan described him as an astute politician unshackled by ideological fetters. Yechury also realized the paramount need to have an understanding with like-minded parties, including the Congress to frustrate the designs of the BJP-RSS regime.
CPI State secretary Binoy Viswom fondly recalled his decades-long political and personal association with Yechury. He was an avid reader and a brilliant conversationalist. The hallmark of his character was pleasantness. He was also a Marxist intellectual who succeeded in marrying ideology and practical politics with effortless ease, Viswom recalled.
It goes without saying that the country and its politics are poorer for the passing away of Yechury. He belongs to the select breed of politicians who could speak the language of the man on the street. A multi-faceted personality, Yechury cannot be tied down to any particular label. In his ability to explain even the most complex of matters, he was second only to the redoubtable EMS, who saw the immense talent in young Yechury and played a big role in his ascent to national politics.
He was also a past master in building coalitions and bringing disparate ideological strands together. His USP was his ability to form lasting friendships with political rivals and earn their respect. Leaders like him are no longer made. India will remember for ever his great contributions to enriching the country’s political discourse and firming up the concept of democracy and secularism. A Red Salute to him. Rest In Peace, comrade. (IPA Service)