Carry Forward the Legacy of Comrade Sitaram Yechury
Manik Sarkar
THE contributions and legacy of Comrade Sitaram Yechury to the communist movement in India, under the CPI(M), have come to a sudden and unexpected end. His work remains unfinished as his passing away was both premature and untimely. Yechury still had much to offer to the communist movement in India and his unexpected departure has deprived the next generation of his invaluable guidance.
Sitaram Yechury was one of the most outstanding and versatile leaders of the communist movement in his time. He had a mastery over Marxism and Leninism and a solid ideological foundation. His expertise in Marxist economics was equally remarkable. Even opponents of the communist movement rarely dared to challenge him on ideological or economic issues as they knew he would counter them with his sharp, persuasive arguments and prolific, well-crafted writings. Yechury never ignored different aspects of an issue before he took a position on behalf of the CPI(M). He relished engaging in debates in an argumentative manner, with an open-minded attitude, and a sense of modesty.
As a dedicated and serious student leader, Sitaram Yechury travelled extensively across the country, visiting various states to understand their economic, political, and social characteristics and their problems. This deep engagement helped him shape effective student movements in different states during that period. His efforts contributed to the growth and spread of the student movement and its organisation across India. The insights and experiences he gained as a student leader later proved invaluable as he was being groomed and developed into a potential leader of the party.
Yechury demonstrated his exceptional skills in writing and editing through his work on various important publications. As the editor of Students Struggle, the organ of the SFI, he developed it with a different, attractive look and high-quality, diverse content. This not only captured the attention of student movement organisers of the time but also impressed a section of top intellectuals and critics. He carried this editorial excellence into his roles as editor of People’s Democracy, the weekly organ of the CPI(M), and the quarterly ideological journal The Marxist. In addition to these roles, Yechury authored numerous valuable books which have served as important resources for communists in political and ideological battles.
After its formation in 1964, the CPI(M) initially found itself isolated from the international communist movement. Major political parties such as the Communist Party of the USSR and the Communist Party of China adopted a negative stance towards the CPI(M). Only the Communist Party of Vietnam maintained its relationship with the CPI(M) during this period. Despite the isolation, the CPI(M) remained steadfast in its ideological and political positions, following its own Party Programme and focusing on developing class and mass struggles. Over time, the CPI(M) gained ground and acceptance among a broad section of the working class, peasantry, and the middle-class. This growing support was reflected in the formation of Left and Democratic and Left-led governments in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.
Through these experiences, major international communist parties corrected their earlier misunderstandings about the CPI(M) and began to develop party-to-party political relations. Before becoming General Secretary of the CPI(M), Harkishan Singh Surjeet played a key role in establishing and maintaining political relations with various Communist and Workers' Parties around the world. Comrade Surjeet, in line with the Party's decision, gradually introduced Comrade Sitaram Yechury to these responsibilities, ultimately making him the head of the Party's International Department.
Sitaram Yechury skillfully fulfilled this crucial role, fostering strong relationships with various Communist and Workers' Parties across the world. His work went beyond maintaining formal ties He studied the ideological, political, and organisational aspects of these fraternal parties in great depth. This effort helped the CPI(M) develop a comprehensive understanding of the international communist movement and enabled the Party to take well-informed and correct positions on international affairs.
To isolate and defeat the fascistic RSS-BJP combine, it is essential to unite the Left, democratic, and secular forces of the country as far as this is possible and practicable. In this crucial task, Sitaram Yechury, as General Secretary of the CPI(M), played a pivotal role. He mastered the political art and tactics needed to build this unity, doing so with humility and skill. Yechury honed these abilities while accompanying Harkishan Singh Surjeet in meetings and discussions with other political parties. As a member of the upper house of parliament, he made a significant impact, showcasing his political maturity and effectiveness. His ability to engage with diverse political parties in parliament helped foster coordination and unity among secular forces.
In the last few years, his contributions were especially notable in the formation of the INDIA Bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where his role was highly effective.
Democratic centralism is the fundamental organisational principle of the communist party, and as General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury was deeply committed to its practice. In a Communist Party, there must be freedom of discussion and debate within the party, while maintaining organisational discipline, in order to reach united decisions. His conscious adherence to this principle helped unify the Party during his tenure.
Sitaram Yechury left behind many important lessons and several unfinished tasks that are crucial for the present time. While his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt, there is no room for frustration or delay. The urgent task before the Party is to strengthen itself, while fostering Left unity and bolstering the Left-democratic and secular alliance.
To truly honour the memory of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, we must approach these challenges with sincerity and seriousness, reaching out to the masses with renewed commitment. Positive efforts must be made to mobilise the masses in various struggles, and special attention should be given to draw the younger generation, to galvanise the Party to ensure it is capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving its goals.
or reload the browser
