THE CPI(M) Telanagana state committee organised a memorial meeting for Comrade Sitaram Yechury on September 21, at Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad. The meeting was presided over by the Party's state secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram. Prominent people who participated included chief minister Revanth Reddy, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu, former Andhra Pradesh chief secretary Mohan Kanda, BRS working president and former minister K Taraka Rama Rao, CPI(M) state secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram, CPI state secretary and MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, TJS state president and MLC M Kodandaram, CPI(ML) New Democracy state secretary Pothu Ranga Rao, CPI(ML) New Democracy Central Committee member Vemulapalli Venkataramayya, MCPI(U) state secretariat member Vanam Sudhakar, CPI(ML) state secretary Prasada Anna, CPI(ML) Liberation state secretary Ramesh Raja, RSP state secretary Janaki Ramulu, SUCI(C) state secretary Ch. Murahari, and Forward Bloc state secretary K. Tejdeep Reddy. The participants paid their respects to Yechury’s portrait by offering floral tributes and observed a minute of silence in mourning.
Slogans like Johar Comrade Sitaram Yechury, Red Salute Sitaram Yechury, and We will achieve your dreams echoed during the meeting.
At a time when the BJP is trying to take control of the country under the guise of simultaneous elections, the absence of a leader like Sitaram Yechury is an irreparable loss to democracy, secularism, and progressivism, said chief minister Revanth Reddy. He praised Yechury's significant role in forming the United Front and UPA-1 governments in the past and in bringing about pro-people decisions during those times. Revanth Reddy recalled that Yechury played an active role in the formulation of various people-centric laws and programmes such as the Right to Education Act, Right to Information Act, Forest Rights Act, and the Employment Guarantee Act.
Despite ideological differences with the governments and coalition parties at the time, Yechury's ability to persuade and bring about pro-people decisions was commendable, he said. Revanth Reddy called on people to draw inspiration from Yechury to counter the BJP's efforts at the centre. He remarked that Yechury's death is an irreparable loss for the nation.
Revanth Reddy criticised the BJP for attempting to undermine the constitution nation under the guise of simultaneous elections, especially during a time when constitutional values and principles are being eroded. He expressed that Yechury's absence during this crucial time is a significant loss. He accused the BJP of trying to amend the constitution to maintain its power, arguing that the union of states represents the country, which the BJP government at the centre is jeopardising. He called for resistance against the BJP's efforts under the pretext of simultaneous elections.
CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu stated that despite the differences and disparities among the opposition parties in the country, the credit for bringing them together on acceptable issues goes to Sitaram Yechury. He emphasized the necessity of democracy for the nation, noting that the BJP’s governance poses a threat to it. He expressed concerns that the secular framework is being undermined. Raghavulu stated that the BJP government is attacking federalism and expressed worries that if the rights of the states are violated, the country could not remain united. He described Yechury as a leader who united the opposition with the goal of saving the nation. Raghavulu mentioned that he has worked with Yechury since 1974. He noted that Yechury explained even the most complex issues in a way that ordinary people could understand. Raghavulu highlighted that Yechury was passionate about ensuring the unity of the nation.
CPI(M) state secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram, while presiding over the meeting, expressed that it is very sad that Sitaram Yechury passed away at the age of 72. He stated that it is a loss for everyone to be without someone so dedicated to Marxism. He urged a reaffirmation of Yechury's goals and encouraged moving forward in that direction.
BRS executive president and former minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) stated that “Living for the people is not just about survival; Yechury’s aspiration to ensure that his body serves future doctors to provide healthcare to the public even after his death is commendable,” he remarked. He recalled Yechury's assertion that silence is very dangerous when democracy is under attack. KTR urged that they should fight for people's rights as much as possible and stand by the voices that ask questions. He described this as a heartfelt tribute that everyone can give to Yechury. He mentioned that while some may believe that positions bring glory, Yechury's life exemplifies that ideology, awareness of public issues, a passion for work, and a desire to learn continuously lead to a lasting legacy in the hearts of the people.
CPI state secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao mentioned that Yechury's death has shaken not only the communists but also the entire political landscape of the country. He noted that Yechury, despite not being fluent in Telugu, spoke beautifully in the language. He remarked that every communist in the country feels as though they have lost their own leader.
“It is very sad when those younger than us die before our eyes. Even though he is no longer with us, we must carry forward Yechury’s aspirations,” said Mohan Kanda, Comrade Sitaram’s maternal uncle and a former chief secretary of Andhra Pradesh.
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