THE CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh state committee organised a condolence meeting in honour of Comrade Sitaram Yechury on September 22 at the Makineni Basavapunnayya Vignana Kendram in Vijayawada.

Leaders from various political parties, including the Telugu Desam Party, YSR Congress, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, VCK, and other Left parties, attended the meeting.

V Srinivasa Rao, state secretary, presided over the meeting which was conducted by CPI(M) state secretariat member Y Venkateswarlu. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, M A Baby and Andhra Pradesh I&PR Minister, Kolusu Parthasarathi paid floral tributes to Yechury's portrait, after which a minute of silence was observed.

M A Baby recalled the four decades that he worked with Sitaram in the student movement and highlighted his rise and his induction in the central leadership of the CPI(M) at a young age. He said that Yechury played a pivotal role in forming the INDIA bloc to unite various democratic forces to defeat the BJP. He mentioned Yechury's international engagements, recalling that he was often enquired about at global meetings. Baby reminded the audience that in the 14th Congress of the CPI(M) in 1992, it was Yechury who introduced a resolution that was later passed unanimously affirming that socialism was unassailable and scientific and that it had to face setbacks in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe due to faulty implementation.

Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi said that the death of one who fought tirelessly for the poor is very tragic.  He called Yechury the pride of the Telugu people who will be remembered for his commitment to democratic values. He stressed on the fact that Yechury, a staunch supporter of the Telugu people and his commitment to fight threats to democracy in the state was evident when he played an important role at the time that the NTR government was ousted and all the TDP MLAs went to Delhi. Parthsarathi said that Yechury’s entire life was a struggle against exploitative systems and, recently, his opposition to the policies of disinvestment and privatisation policies was evident in the way he had been working for the past three years to save the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

The current generation of political leaders needed to learn from Yechury that power was not everything.  He said losing him at a time when efforts are underway to reinforce democratic systems is an irreplaceable loss.

YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu stated that Yechury played a key role in the communist movement and had fought tirelessly for the poor, participating in numerous movements from his student days, both nationally and globally. He underscored that Yechury dedicated his life to the principles he believed in and added that he provided exceptional service as a parliamentarian.

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu said that Yechury's death was a loss not only to the communist movement but also to the country. He emphasised that as a revolutionary, Yechury played a crucial role in developing and building the CPI(M). Raghavulu pointed out that even though the BJP does not have an outright majority, it continues to push its key agenda. He noted that Yechury was instrumental in bringing all political parties together to protect democracy and constitutional values in the country. He called for collective action among all parties, noting that in this context, Sitaram Yechury's leadership in bringing all parties together for a common cause was vital. Raghavulu strongly upheld the principle of secularism as essential for the unity of the country. He mentioned that while the contamination of Tirumala laddus is condemnable and those responsible must be punished, the issue should not be politicised. He also urged vigilance against adulteration in all other materials used in the prasad, adding that merely referencing holiness while allowing those who steal from God to go unpunished is insufficient.

CPI(M) state secretary V Srinivasa Rao stated that Sitaram Yechury was the "beloved of the poor” for whose welfare he worked tirelessly both in parliament and outside. He said that Yechury had a connection with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the people and described his  participation in numerous peoples movements. He highlighted Yechury’s  support for a united Andhra Pradesh during the time of state bifurcation.

 APCC president Y S Sharmila described Sitaram Yechury as a secularist, humanitarian and an excellent parliamentarian. She noted that he had fought against the BJP always and that this struggle served as an inspiration. She emphasized his significant contributions to the formation of the UPA in 2004 and to the stability of that government. She said that Yechury stands out as a great person who valued principles over positions and money.

CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna stated that Sitaram Yechury was a communist leader who had gained international recognition. He noted that Yechury has risen from the position of SFI president to general secretary of the party, earning a unique place as an excellent parliamentarian. In the context of declining communist influence nationwide, Ramakrishna highlighted Yechury's invaluable role in strongly advocating Left ideology and encouraging youth to strengthen the party. He highlighted Yechury's ability to engage with everyone, transcending party lines, and noted that he stands out as a prominent leader among Left figures. Ramakrishna said Yechury's contributions to strengthening secularism and enhancing democracy in the country were significant.

Vadde Shobhanadrishwar Rao described Yechury as a memorable figure in the hearts of millions, whose unique personality earned him international recognition.

CPI(ML) Liberation state secretary Haranath stated that Sitaram Yechury's death is an irreparable loss to the communist movement.

CPI(ML) state leader Jasti Kishore babu remarked that Karl Marx believed that serving the people is the highest profession and that, taking inspiration from Marx’s ideas, Yechury represented marginalised groups from his student days onward.

Aam Aadmi Party state convenor Seeram Ramesh stated that Sitaram Yechury's service to the nation is unforgettable.

VCK Party state president Vidyasagar remarked that during times of national crisis, Sitaram Yechury stood by the people and played a significant role as a communist, effectively uniting democratic forces.

MCPIU leader Kaatam Nagabhushan stated that Yechury maintained warm and friendly relations with members of other parties as well.

AILU national working president Sunkara Rajendra Prasad stated that Sitaram Yechury consistently fought against the BJP and fundamentalism. 

Forward Block state secretary Jayavardhan said that Yechury's actions were dedicated to serving the poor and marginalised communities and RSP state secretary Janaki Ramaulu underscored the need for everyone to work towards advancing Yechury's vision.

B V Raghavulu launched a special edition of Prajasakthi on Yechury and  MA Gafoor, CPI(M) Central Committee member, unveiled a book on Sitaram Yechury in Telugu.