Kerala CM Honors Sitaram Yechury on First Death Anniversary

Fast summary

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commemorated the first death anniversary of Sitaram Yechury, former CPI(M) General Secretary, in a Facebook post on September 12, 2025.
• Vijayan highlighted yechury’s decisive role in shaping both national and international political movements.
• He recalled Yechury’s fight for secularism and social justice, including his attempt to enter Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation. Despite being sent back twice from Srinagar airport, Yechury secured Supreme Court permission to visit the region.
• Vijayan noted Yechury’s critique of electoral bonds and his contribution to uniting political parties against Nepal’s monarchy during the 2006 Jan Andolan movement.
• The late Marxist leader was praised for his lifelong dedication to farmers, workers, and weaker sections of society.
• Sitaram Yechury passed away at AIIMS Delhi on September 12, 2024 at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Sitaram Yechury’s legacy highlighted by Pinarayi Vijayan reflects a meaningful narrative in Indian political history-one that emphasizes fighting for democracy, secularism, and social justice. His ability to influence both domestic mechanisms (evident through interventions like electoral bond opposition) and international dynamics (e.g., Nepal’s democratic movement) embodies his cross-border relevance as a Marxist leader.

Yechury’s bold actions post-abrogation of Article 370 demonstrate principles grounded in constitutional rights amidst challenging circumstances. His dedication aligns wiht larger debates around activism under legal frameworks while advocating public accountability. The role he played internationally further underscores how Indian political leaders can make global impacts.

For India today, such remembrance suggests continued discourse on democratic values amid ongoing challenges-not merely memorializing efforts but recognizing their applications across future struggles. Leaders like Yechury inspire generations with clarity but leave open questions about maintaining ideological rigor within pragmatic realities.

Read more: The Hindu