CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury Passes Away: A Look At His Family

Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on September 12, 2024. He was 72. Yechury, who had been admitted to the hospital on August 19 due to pneumonia-like symptoms and had been on respiratory support, died on September 12.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury Passes Away: Tributes Pour In

Yechury was serving his third term as the CPI(M) general secretary, a role he had held since 2015. His death has prompted a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau described his passing as a significant loss for the party and the broader Left, democratic, and secular forces.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, praising Yechury for his "distinct and influential voice" and his ability to forge friendships beyond party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also honoured Yechury’s memory, acknowledging his role as an “effective Parliamentarian” and a notable figure on the Left.

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…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 12, 2024

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.… pic.twitter.com/Cp8NYNlwSB

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had a close relationship with Yechury, remembered him as a "friend" and a staunch defender of India’s ideals. Sonia Gandhi, who shared a long friendship with Yechury dating back to the United Progressive Alliance’s first term, also paid her respects.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.

A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.

I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

About Sitaram Yechury's Family

Yechury is survived by his wife Seema Chishti, son Danish, and daughter Akhila. Yechury was married to journalist Seema Chishti, the editor of The Wire and former Delhi editor of BBC Hindi Service. She also served as the resident editor of Indian Express, Delhi. 

Prior to this marriage, Yechury was married to Indrani Mazumdar, daughter of Vina Mazumdar. From this previous marriage, he has two sons, Ashish and Danish. His elder son, Ashish Yechury, passed away on April 22, 2021, due to COVID-19 at the age of 34. His daughter with Chishti, Akhila Yechury, is a history major who teaches at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St. Andrews. 

As per the latest details, Yechury's mortal remains will be displayed at the CPI(M) headquarters in Delhi on September 14 for public tribute between 11 am and 3 pm. Following this, Yechury’s body will be taken to AIIMS for donation to medical research, in accordance with his wishes.