A Leader of the Left: Sitaram Yechury
Sitaram Yechury was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to a Telugu-speaking family. His father, Srinivas Yechuri, was a civil servant, and his mother, Kalavati, was a homemaker. Yechury's early life was marked by frequent transfers due to his father's job, which exposed him to various cultures and languages.
Yechury's interest in politics began at a young age, influenced by his parents' involvement in the Indian independence movement. He joined the Students' Federation of India (SFI) while studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Yechury's leadership skills and oratory abilities quickly made him a prominent figure in the SFI.
After completing his master's degree in economics, Yechury became a full-time politician. He rose through the ranks of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and became a member of the Politburo in 1992. Yechury's sharp intellect, strategic thinking, and commitment to Marxist ideology earned him respect within the party.
In 2005, Yechury was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, from West Bengal. He served three consecutive terms until 2017. During his parliamentary tenure, Yechury was a vocal critic of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments, advocating for secular democratic values and social justice.
In 2015, Yechury succeeded Prakash Karat as the General Secretary of the CPI(M), a position he held until his passing. Under his leadership, the party attempted to revitalize its base and forge alliances with other left-wing parties.
Throughout his life, Yechury remained committed to Marxist principles and was an outspoken critic of neoliberal policies and Hindutva politics. He played a crucial role in shaping the CPI(M)'s response to key issues, including the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sitaram Yechury's thought process was deeply rooted in Marxist ideology, which he applied to analyze and address various social, economic, and political issues. He believed in the importance of class struggle and the need for a socialist revolution to achieve true equality and justice.
Yechury's ideology was characterized by:
1. Commitment to secularism: He strongly advocated for a secular and pluralistic India, opposing communalism and religious fundamentalism.
2. Anti-imperialism: Yechury was a vocal critic of US foreign policy and imperialism, emphasizing the need for India to maintain its independence and sovereignty.
3. Social justice: He championed the causes of the marginalized, including workers, peasants, and oppressed communities.
4. Democratic centralism: Yechury believed in the importance of inner-party democracy and collective decision-making.
Throughout his political life, Yechury played a key role in shaping the CPI(M)'s policies and strategies. He was instrumental in:
1. Forging alliances: Yechury attempted to build coalitions with other left-wing parties and secular forces to counter the rise of Hindutva politics.
2. Opposing neoliberalism: He strongly criticized the UPA and NDA governments' economic policies, advocating for a more equitable and socialist-oriented approach.
3. Supporting people's movements: Yechury actively supported various people's movements, including those against land acquisition, displacement, and environmental degradation.
4. Engaging in parliamentary politics: As a member of the Rajya Sabha, Yechury effectively utilized parliamentary platforms to raise critical issues and hold the government accountable.
Sitaram Yechury passed away on September 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated communist leader, a passionate orator, and a champion of social justice. His contributions to Indian politics and the CPI(M) will be remembered for generations to come. Yechury's leadership and ideology continue to inspire and influence the CPI(M) and broader left-wing movements in India. His passing has left a void in Indian politics, but his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the struggles he championed.
©Gurudatta Dinkar Wakdekar, Mumbai
Date : 13/09/2024 Time : 07:19
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