Kris Kristofferson

Sitaram Yechury, a prominent Indian politician and Marxist theorist, has been an influential figure in the Indian political landscape, especially as a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M). Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai (then Madras), Yechury has carved out a long-standing career characterized by his unwavering commitment to leftist ideology, intellectual rigor, and advocacy for socio-economic justice. His life and career encapsulate a rich journey of activism, scholarship, and political strategy, making him one of the most significant leaders of the Indian left in contemporary times.

Early Life and Education

Yechury was born into a Telugu-speaking family from Andhra Pradesh. His father, Sarveswara Somayajulu Yechury, worked in the Indian government, and his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a homemaker. His early years were shaped by a strong sense of social justice, which was perhaps inevitable given his family's intellectual background and the prevailing political atmosphere of post-independence India.

Yechury's educational journey began at All Saints High School in Hyderabad and continued at St. Stephen's College in Delhi, where he pursued a degree in economics. It was during his time at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he enrolled for an M.Phil in economics, that his political engagement deepened. JNU, a hub of leftist thought and activism, provided Yechury with a fertile ground to sharpen his understanding of Marxist ideology.

He was actively involved in student politics and became a key figure in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M). In 1975, when India was plunged into the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Yechury was at the forefront of protests against the draconian measures, leading to his arrest. His involvement in the anti-Emergency struggle further solidified his ideological beliefs and set the tone for his future political career.

Rise in CPI(M) and Political Career

Yechury’s political career formally began when he joined the CPI(M) in 1975, shortly after his release from prison. Over the years, his organizational skills and intellectual prowess earned him rapid promotions within the party. He became a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984 and the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the party, in 1992. This rise was significant, as the CPI(M) is known for its disciplined and hierarchical structure, where leadership positions are often a reflection of years of dedication and ideological commitment.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Yechury played a critical role in the party’s national strategies. The period was marked by significant shifts in Indian politics, with the decline of the Congress Party's dominance and the rise of regional and right-wing forces, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In this era of coalition politics, Yechury emerged as one of the key voices advocating for a "third alternative" to both the Congress and the BJP—an alliance of leftist and secular forces that could challenge the growing influence of neoliberal policies and Hindu nationalism.

As a CPI(M) leader, Yechury has been a key advocate for socialist economic policies, focusing on the rights of workers, farmers, and marginalized communities. He has consistently opposed neoliberal economic reforms that, in his view, exacerbate inequality and erode the welfare state. This stance has often put him at odds with both the Congress and the BJP, especially during periods of economic liberalization in India.

Parliamentary Career and Legislative Work

Yechury was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, in 2005, representing the state of West Bengal, a CPI(M) stronghold at the time. His parliamentary career has been marked by a strong emphasis on policy debates, with a focus on economic justice, labor rights, and secularism. He quickly gained a reputation as a formidable speaker and debater, known for his articulate presentations and thorough understanding of both policy and ideology.

As a member of Parliament, Yechury has been vocal on a range of issues, from economic inequality to foreign policy. He has been a consistent critic of India's foreign relations with the United States, particularly in the context of military alliances and economic dependencies. Yechury has also opposed India’s close alignment with Israel, advocating instead for solidarity with the Palestinian cause, which he sees as part of a broader anti-imperialist struggle.

Domestically, Yechury has taken a strong stance against the privatization of public sector enterprises and the dilution of labor laws. He has also been a critic of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in its current form, arguing that it disproportionately affects small businesses and state revenues. His speeches in the Rajya Sabha often reflect his deep commitment to federalism, social justice, and economic equity.

One of Yechury’s notable contributions to parliamentary debates has been his staunch defense of secularism. In the context of growing religious polarization in India, particularly with the rise of the BJP and its promotion of Hindutva ideology, Yechury has consistently championed the cause of India's pluralistic and secular fabric. He has often reminded Parliament of the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, calling for a firm stand against communalism and authoritarianism.

Leadership of CPI(M) and Challenges

Yechury was elected General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. His leadership came at a challenging time for the party. The CPI(M), which had been a dominant force in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura, was facing electoral setbacks. The party’s defeat in West Bengal after 34 years of uninterrupted rule was particularly significant, as it marked the end of an era and posed existential questions about the future of the Left in India.

Yechury's tenure as General Secretary has been marked by efforts to rejuvenate the party and make it more relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape. He has been a proponent of building broad-based alliances with other secular and democratic forces to counter the rise of the BJP. This approach, however, has not been without controversy within the party. There has been an internal debate within the CPI(M) on the question of alliances, with some factions, particularly those aligned with his predecessor Prakash Karat, arguing for a more rigid stance against both the Congress and the BJP.

Despite these internal challenges, Yechury has continued to push for greater unity among secular forces, warning of the dangers posed by the BJP's authoritarianism and communalism. His vision for the CPI(M) involves not only electoral alliances but also a renewed focus on mass movements, especially among workers, farmers, and students.

Ideological and Intellectual Contributions

Yechury is not only a politician but also an intellectual. His writings and speeches reflect a deep engagement with Marxist theory and its application to contemporary issues. He has consistently argued that Marxism is not a dogma but a scientific method for understanding and changing society. In his view, the relevance of Marxism lies in its ability to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining rooted in the struggle for social justice and equality.

One of Yechury's key intellectual contributions has been his critique of neoliberal globalization. He has argued that the policies of economic liberalization pursued by successive Indian governments since the 1990s have led to increased inequality, unemployment, and social dislocation. In his speeches, he often cites data to show how corporate profits have soared while wages have stagnated, and how public sector disinvestment has eroded the state's ability to provide for its citizens.

Yechury is also a staunch defender of Indian secularism. He has often invoked the legacy of the freedom struggle, particularly the contributions of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh, to argue that secularism is not merely a policy preference but a fundamental principle of the Indian republic. He has warned that the rise of communal politics, exemplified by the BJP and its affiliate organizations, threatens the very fabric of Indian democracy.

Personal Life and Legacy

Yechury’s personal life has often remained outside the glare of media attention. He married Seema Chisti, a journalist, and the couple has been noted for their intellectual companionship. In 2021, Yechury suffered a personal tragedy when his elder son, Ashish Yechury, passed away due to complications from COVID-19. This event deeply affected Yechury, but he continued his political work with the same dedication.

As a leader, Yechury's legacy is multifaceted. He is seen as a pragmatic Marxist, someone who is deeply rooted in ideological principles but also willing to adapt to changing political realities. His efforts to build a broad-based coalition against right-wing forces in India, his commitment to economic justice, and his defense of secularism have made him a respected figure not just within the Left but also among wider sections of Indian society.

In conclusion, Sitaram Yechury’s life and career are emblematic of the challenges and opportunities faced by the Indian Left in the 21st century. His intellectual rigor, political acumen, and commitment to social justice have made him a key figure in Indian politics. Whether leading protests on the streets or engaging in debates in Parliament, Yechury’s voice remains a critical one in the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society.