A CONDOLENCE meeting for Comrade Sitaram Yechury was held at the Maharashtra Samaj Hall in Ahmedabad on October 2, 2024. Leaders from the Congress Party, CPI, New Socialist Party, and various trade unions attended the gathering. Those unable to attend, sent their condolences including messages from Suresh Mehta, former chief minister of Gujarat, and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah, an economist.

Over 110 representatives from different mass organisations were present. Muralidharan from the Central Secretariat also attended. The meeting was presided over by Arun Mehta, a Central Committee member.

Hitendra Bhatt, the state secretary, opened the meeting by discussing Sitaram Yechury’s illness and hospitalisation.

During the meeting, Shaktisinh Gohil, member of parliament from Rajya Sabha and president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress committee, was present. In his address, he highlighted the unparalleled talent of Sitaram Yechury in Indian politics, describing him as a formidable presence in various debates within the Rajya Sabha. He noted that there were few occasions when the present government could not advance certain amendments due to his extensive knowledge of Indian democracy and the constitution.

Muralidharan also shared his experiences working with Sitaram Yechury, expressing that he felt a profound personal loss. He recounted various incidents and memories with him, emphasizing that our nation has lost a remarkable political leader.

Manish Doshi, Pankaj Patel, Naushil Shah, and Gadhavi, representing the Congress Party, were present at the meeting. Ramesh Parmar from CPI and Jayanti Panchal from the New Socialist Party also attended and paid their respects.

From various trade unions, Ashok Punjabi, all India vice president of INTUC, and Kanubhai from SUCI were present. Leaders from the HMS, as well as LIC AIIEA units from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Nadiad, and Surat-including Nirav Khankar, Chetan Makwana, Dishant Patel, Prakash Mecwan, and Jaimin Desai also participated. Dishant Patel spoke on behalf of all seven AIIEA units in Gujarat.

Pragjibhai Bhambhi, former state secretary of CPI(M) Gujarat, Hasmukh Patel, former leader of CPI(M), and representatives from various district committees addressed the condolence meeting.

The condolence resolution was placed by Hitendra Bhatt. A moment of silence was observed by all. The meeting concluded with the slogans, "Comrade Sitaram Yechury, Amar Rahe!"