Big blow for secular forces: CPI(M) on Yechury's death, Left pays tribute

The CPI(M) on Thursday expressed profound grief over the death of its general secretary Sitaram Yechury and described it as a big blow for the Left, democratic and secular forces.

Yechury (72) died at AIIMS here on Thursday following a prolonged illness. He was 72. He had been in a critical condition for the last few days and was on respiratory support.

In a statement, the CPI(M) said the veteran leader died after battling a severe lung infection.

"The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Party on September 12, 2024," it said.

The party described him as an outstanding leader of the Left movement and a well-known Marxist ideologue.

"The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this crucial juncture in our national politics is a big blow for the CPI(M) and a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces. The Polit Bureau pays respectful homage to our belov