Sitaram Yechury Death News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the death of veteran CPI(M) general secretary and one of the most prominent left leaders Sitaram Yechury, who passed away today at AIIMS Delhi after a prolonged respiratory illness. PM Modi in his condolence message called Yechury a "leading light of the left" and praised him for his abilities to connect across the "political spectrum".

"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X (formerly Twitter).

President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the demise of Sitaram Yechury and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues. She said Yechury, a committed ideologue, won friends cutting across the party lines.

"Saddened to learn about the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Shri Sitaram Yechury. First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends cutting across the party lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues," President Murmu said in a post on X.

Yechury, 72, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection and had been in a critical condition for the last few days. The CPI(M) had earlier said that the 72-year-old leader was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in AIIMS, Delhi. He was critical and on oxygen support.

Apart from PM Modi, other BJP leaders including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Amit Shah also condoled the demise of the CPI(M) Stalwart. In his condolence message, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation".

"He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!," Rajnath Singh added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described his death as a "loss to the politial sphere in India". "Saddened to hear about the passing of General Secretary of the CPI (M) and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury Ji. His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this difficult time," Shah wrote on X.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sitaram Yechury Ji. His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti."

Trinamool Congress Supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called his demise "a loss to national politics". "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," she posted on X.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the passing away of Sitaram Yechury, saying that he was the one who came up through the student movement. "He was one who had good links with all and was respected and liked even by his political detractors. For the party the loss is huge and a void that will take time to fill,"the Vijayan said.

Sitaram Yechury, who started from the student union of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as a member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and went on to become a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984, got elected to the Politburo in 1992. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years, from 2005 to 2017.

He became the fifth general secretary of the CPI(M) at the 21st party congress in Visakhapatnam on April 19, 2015, and took over from Prakash Karat. He also played a significant role in the joint opposition's INDIA bloc. He was seen among the political mentors of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.