Diljit Dosanjh

Sitaram Yechury, born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, India, has been a leading figure in India's left-wing political landscape, particularly through his association with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]. Over the years, Yechury has played a key role in shaping the party's ideology, strategy, and policies, contributing to the political discourse in India with his unique perspective on socialism, secularism, and democracy. His intellectual rigor and his ability to articulate the vision of the Left in India have made him one of the most influential voices in Indian politics, especially on matters related to labor rights, social justice, and economic equity.

Early Life and Education

Sitaram Yechury was born into a middle-class family with a strong academic background. His father, Sarveswara Somayajulu Yechury, was an engineer working for the Andhra Pradesh government, while his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a homemaker. Despite being born in Chennai, Yechury spent most of his early years in Hyderabad, which was part of Andhra Pradesh at that time.

Yechury’s early education was in Hyderabad, where he showed great promise as a student. He pursued his higher education at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, a campus known for its politically active student body and vibrant intellectual culture. It was here that Yechury's political consciousness began to take shape, particularly under the influence of the political movements of the 1970s, including the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi's government in 1975. During his time at JNU, Yechury was elected as the President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), marking his formal entry into politics. His leadership during the Emergency, when fundamental rights were suspended and political dissent was harshly suppressed, earned him recognition within the leftist student circles.

Entry into the CPI(M)

Sitaram Yechury joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975, during one of the most turbulent periods in Indian political history. The CPI(M) was formed in 1964 after a split in the Communist Party of India (CPI) over ideological differences concerning the approach towards the Soviet Union and China. The CPI(M) embraced a more Marxist-Leninist line and has since been a key player in Indian left-wing politics.

Yechury’s early involvement with the CPI(M) was marked by his deep engagement with labor movements, agrarian struggles, and the fight for civil liberties. He rose through the ranks of the party, initially playing a significant role in its student wing, the Students' Federation of India (SFI), of which he became the General Secretary in 1978. His leadership in the SFI and his ability to galvanize youth support for leftist causes brought him to the attention of senior leaders within the CPI(M). By the early 1980s, Yechury had established himself as one of the key intellectual voices within the party, contributing to its policy-making processes and ideological debates.

Rise Within the Party

Sitaram Yechury’s rise within the CPI(M) was steady and marked by his keen understanding of both national and international political developments. He became a member of the CPI(M)’s Central Committee in 1985, and in 1992, he was inducted into the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the party. His appointment to the Politburo was a recognition of his political acumen and his commitment to the cause of socialism and the working class.

Yechury’s contributions to the CPI(M) have been multifaceted. He has been instrumental in formulating the party’s positions on a wide range of issues, including economic policy, foreign relations, and social justice. He has been a consistent advocate for workers' rights, agrarian reform, and the protection of India’s secular and democratic fabric. Yechury’s ability to engage with different political ideologies and his commitment to building broad-based coalitions have also been critical in the CPI(M)’s efforts to expand its influence beyond its traditional strongholds in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.

Political Philosophy and Vision

Sitaram Yechury’s political philosophy is deeply rooted in Marxism-Leninism, and he has consistently emphasized the need for a socialist alternative to the capitalist economic model. He believes that capitalism, particularly in its neoliberal form, has led to growing inequalities, exploitation of labor, and environmental degradation. Yechury’s critique of capitalism is not limited to economic issues but extends to its impact on social and political structures. He argues that capitalism, in its quest for profit, undermines democracy and fosters authoritarianism, as seen in the rise of right-wing populism in various parts of the world.

At the same time, Yechury is a strong advocate of democracy and pluralism. Unlike some factions within the global communist movement that have leaned towards authoritarianism, Yechury has consistently argued that socialism must be democratic and inclusive. He has emphasized that the struggle for socialism in India must be rooted in the country’s specific historical and cultural context, taking into account its diversity of languages, religions, and ethnicities. This emphasis on a pluralistic and democratic socialism distinguishes Yechury’s vision from more rigid interpretations of Marxism.

Yechury has also been a vocal critic of communalism, particularly the rise of Hindutva politics in India. He has repeatedly warned that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are undermining India’s secular fabric and promoting a majoritarian agenda that is dangerous for the country’s unity and integrity. In this context, Yechury has called for the Left to form alliances with other secular and democratic forces to resist the rise of right-wing extremism.

Role in Parliamentary Politics

Sitaram Yechury was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, in 2005, representing the state of West Bengal. His tenure in the Rajya Sabha has been marked by his articulate and reasoned interventions on a wide range of issues, from economic policy to foreign affairs. As a parliamentarian, Yechury has been a fierce critic of neoliberal economic policies, arguing that they have led to increasing inequality and poverty in India. He has also been a staunch defender of labor rights and has consistently opposed attempts to dilute labor laws in favor of corporate interests.

In foreign policy, Yechury has called for a non-aligned, independent foreign policy that prioritizes India’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy. He has been critical of India’s growing proximity to the United States, arguing that it compromises India’s independent stance on global issues. Yechury has also been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and has consistently opposed the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Yechury’s ability to build alliances and engage in dialogue with other political parties has been a hallmark of his parliamentary career. He has often played a key role in opposition coordination, particularly during times when the Left had to forge alliances with other parties to oppose policies that it viewed as detrimental to the interests of the working class and marginalized sections of society.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his significant contributions to the CPI(M) and Indian politics, Sitaram Yechury has faced several challenges, both from within his party and from external critics. One of the major challenges has been the decline of the CPI(M) in its traditional strongholds, particularly in West Bengal, where the party was ousted from power in 2011 after ruling for 34 years. The party’s inability to recover its electoral strength in West Bengal has been a major setback, and Yechury, as one of the senior leaders, has had to contend with internal debates on how to revive the party’s fortunes.

Some critics within the CPI(M) have argued that the party under Yechury’s leadership has been too willing to compromise on ideological principles in its efforts to form alliances with other political parties. Yechury’s opponents within the party have accused him of diluting the party’s Marxist-Leninist ideology in favor of pragmatism. However, Yechury has defended his approach, arguing that in the complex political landscape of India, it is necessary to build broad-based alliances to resist the forces of neoliberalism and communalism.

Another major challenge for Yechury has been the changing nature of Indian politics, with the rise of identity-based politics and the increasing dominance of the BJP. The Left’s traditional base among workers, peasants, and the marginalized has been eroded by the BJP’s populist appeal, and Yechury has had to navigate this new political reality while trying to keep the CPI(M) relevant.

Leadership of CPI(M) and Legacy

Sitaram Yechury became the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. His leadership has been marked by efforts to revitalize the party and expand its influence beyond its traditional bases. Under Yechury’s leadership, the CPI(M) has sought to engage with a broader range of social movements, including those related to gender justice, environmental sustainability, and minority rights. He has also been a strong advocate for the use of new technology and social media to reach out to younger generations, who may not have been traditionally inclined towards left-wing politics.

Yechury’s tenure as General Secretary has also been marked by internal debates within the CPI(M) about the party’s future direction. Some sections of the party have argued for a more hardline, ideologically rigid approach, while others, aligned with Yechury, have called for greater flexibility and pragmatism in dealing with the changing political landscape. Despite these challenges, Yechury remains one of the most respected figures in Indian left-wing politics.

Conclusion

Sitaram Yechury's life and career have been deeply intertwined with the trajectory of the Indian Left. From his early days as a student leader during the Emergency to his role as the General Secretary of the CPI(M), Yechury has consistently been at the forefront of the struggle for a more just and equitable society. His commitment to socialism, democracy, and secularism has made him a key figure in Indian politics, and his legacy as a champion of the working class and marginalized sections of society is likely to endure for years to come. While the challenges facing the Left in India are immense, Yechury’s leadership and vision offer a path forward for those committed to the ideals of socialism and social justice in a rapidly changing world.