CPI-M politburo member Prakash Karat emphasized the need for ‘collective leadership’ at a memorial meeting in Agartala for the late General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Karat described Yechury’s passing as a significant loss for the Left and the broader democratic movement in India. He acknowledged Yechury’s pivotal role in forming the INDIA bloc, aimed at challenging the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the urgency of his vision just months before the upcoming party congress in Madurai.
Karat pointed out that while the BJP’s influence appeared to diminish in recent elections, the threat from the party and its affiliates persists. He stressed the importance of strengthening the INDIA bloc to counter the BJP’s undemocratic actions and policies that adversely affect the populace.
Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar echoed these sentiments, urging party members to engage with individuals outside the Left to foster unity against the BJP and RSS. He called for a robust alliance of like-minded groups to uphold constitutional values and democratic principles.
CPI-M Tripura state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury also paid tribute to Yechury, urging party members to continue his unfinished work. He praised Yechury as a meritorious leader who enjoyed widespread popularity across various political factions. Chaudhury noted Yechury’s exceptional ability to collaborate with individuals from different parties, earning respect from both allies and opponents. As a key architect of the INDIA bloc, which comprises 27 to 28 political parties, Yechury’s leadership was seen as a beacon for the Left. Chaudhury described him as a bright captain whose death represents an irreplaceable loss not only for the CPI-M but for all secular parties in India. The leaders called for unity and a renewed commitment to Yechury’s vision, aiming to strengthen the Left’s presence in the political landscape amidst ongoing challenges.