"Was uncompromising in his commitment...": Sonia Gandhi mourns death of Sitaram Yechury
Sep 12, 2024
New Delhi [India], September 12 : Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condoled the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.
"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," she said.
"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 lifelong communist, but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelve-year stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark," Sonia Gandhi added.
Further, the Congress leader said that the CPI(M) leader 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," she said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Sitaram Yechury's wife, Seema Chisti Yechury, and condoled the death of the CPIM leader.
Kharge said, "On behalf of myself and the Indian National Congress, I express my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury, a veteran leader who dedicated his life to serving the people. His commitment and leadership will always be remembered and cherished."
He also highlighted that Yechury's contributions to the nation and his steadfast dedication to the betterment of society have left an indelible mark.
"His leadership and service will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace. During this time of mourning, may you and your family find the strength and resilience to bear this profound loss. Our thoughts are with you in this critical hour of personal bereavement," Kharge said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, calling the veteran leader a "leading light of the Left," PM Modi said his thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on Thursday afternoon after battling pneumonia. The veteran leader was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 72.
