TRIBUTES flowed during a state-level condolence meeting for Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of CPI(M), organised by the Bihar state committee of CPI(M) on October 1, 2024, at Ravindra Bhawan, Patna. Over 1,000 workers, peasants, women, youth, students, and intellectuals, gathered to honour Sitaram Yechury, who passed away unexpectedly on September 20.

The news of his sudden demise shocked both the Party and the broader Left and democratic movements across the country. The widespread grief and spontaneous condolence meetings reflected Sitaram's deep impact and affection among Party members and the public.

Ravindra Bhawan was adorned with red flags and images of Sitaram, showcasing his legacy, including a notable photograph of him leading 500 students in a march to demand the resignation of Indira Gandhi as chancellor during the Emergency, highlighting his commitment to justice and democracy.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of Sitaram Yechury at the meeting, chaired by state secretary Lalan Chowdhary. Awadhesh Kumar, Central Committee member, read a condolence resolution highlighting Sitaram's journey from his early student life at JNU to becoming the general secretary of CPI(M). His significant contributions in preparing a historic document, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of neoliberalism, were emphasized. The resolution also noted his critiques of fascistic Hindu nationalism and his efforts to unite Left, democratic, and secular forces to protect India's constitutional values.

With a choked voice, Lalan Chowdhary recalled his decades-long association with Sitaram, seeking his guidance throughout his political journey. He pledged on behalf of the Bihar party to uphold Sitaram's legacy.

Leaders from the CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI(ML) New Democracy, and Forward Bloc expressed deep shock at the untimely passing of Sitaram Yechury, a charismatic leader who was instrumental in mobilising Left and democratic forces against the fascistic onslaught of the RSS and BJP. They highlighted his role in forging the India bloc, an electoral coalition that successfully reduced the BJP’s seat share in the last parliamentary election, forcing it into a coalition government.

The leaders also acknowledged Sitaram's significant contributions to the yearlong peasant struggles around Delhi and three major all-India strikes by the working class. They pledged to continue his legacy and strengthen the unity of Left, democratic, and secular forces.

Ashok Dhawale, Polit Bureau member and observer for Bihar, reflected on his 45-year association with Sitaram Yechury, recalling their collaboration since their SFI days. He highlighted his association during his years as secretary of the Maharashtra CPI(M) and his vital role in both Maharashtra and Bihar, where he actively participated in meetings, mass struggles, and party education.

Dhawale noted Sitaram's involvement in key movements, such as opposing land transfers to Ambani and supporting tribal peasants during their long march to Mumbai. He also emphasized Sitaram’s early recognition of the fascistic agenda of the RSS in the 1990s and his commitment to combating it to protect India's secular and democratic constitution.

Dhawale urged the leaders and cadres of the Bihar party to unite all Left and secular democratic forces to oust the BJP, framing this effort as a fitting tribute to Sitaram's legacy.

The condolence meeting began with the offering of garlands at Sitaram's photograph placed near the dais, led by Polit Bureau member Ashok Dhawale, followed by state secretary Lalan Chowdhary, Central Committee member Awadhesh Kumar, CPI state secretary Ramnaresh Pandey, CPI(ML) Liberation Polit Bureau member Rajaram, KD Yadav, Forward Bloc state president America Mahto, CPI(ML) New Democracy leader Nandkishor Singh, and CPI(M) secretariat members Arun Kumar Mishra, Rajendra Singh, Sarvoday Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Rampari, Shyam Bharti, Sanjay Kumar, and Bhola Prasad Diwakar, among others.

Ajay Kumar, the leader of the party group in the Bihar assembly, conducted the proceedings. The meeting concluded with the singing of the International and chants of "Sitaram, Long Live! Red Salute to Sitaram!"