Sitaram Yechury: A Titan of the Left

Onkareshwar Pandey

"Revolutions are the locomotives of history,” Marx once proclaimed, and Sitaram Yechury was its relentless engineer, steering the Communist Party of India (Marxist) through the stormy waters of a neoliberal India. His passing marks the twilight of a political titan, a man whose brilliance illuminated the Indian Left for decades. Yechury wasn’t just a leader; he was a crusader, a torchbearer of Marxist ideals who fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and the working class. His belief in social justice was deeply rooted in the core principles of democracy, secularism, and equality. "Democracy is not merely the right to vote once in five years," Yechury often said. "It is the empowerment of the people to determine their own futures, to shape their lives through collective action." In an era where the Left struggled to maintain its foothold, Yechury’s resolve was unshakable, driven by the conviction that true democracy must include the rights of the marginalized.

Guardian of Socialist Ideals

Yechury’s ideological roots ran deep in Marxism, and his political journey was shaped by his dedication to the working class. He championed their rights through policies that prioritized economic justice, labor reforms, and land redistribution. "Socialism is not just about wealth redistribution but about dignity and human rights," he would remind audiences. His speeches consistently advocated for the rights of farmers, laborers, tribals, and the downtrodden, resisting the neoliberal policies that he believed enriched the few at the expense of the many. 

He was relentless in his critique of neoliberalism, often warning of the dangers posed by unchecked capitalism: "Economic inequality is not just a byproduct of capitalism; it is the very fuel that sustains it." He recognized that the growing privatization and erosion of public sector industries directly impacted the lives of India’s working class and the marginalized. Under his leadership, the CPI(M) fought against policies that weakened labor laws and reduced wages for workers, especially in states where the Left had traditionally been strong, like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.

Champion of Farmers and Rural Workers

As an advocate for farmers and rural workers, Yechury remained a steadfast voice in an era of agrarian distress. He believed that the prosperity of India’s villages was inseparable from the country’s overall economic health. "The future of India is in its villages," Yechury would often assert, echoing Gandhian principles, while grounding his approach in Marxist ideology. He led numerous movements demanding better wages, land reforms, and access to education for rural communities.

His work, especially in championing the cause of farmers, was vital during times of agricultural crises. "The farmer who feeds the nation should not be forced to starve," he said, advocating for state intervention to protect farmers from market fluctuations and unjust land acquisitions. His vision of socialism always included a robust agricultural policy that safeguarded the interests of farmers and laborers.

Defender of Secularism and Freedom of Speech

At a time when communalism was rising across India, Yechury stood as a beacon of secularism, adamant that India’s pluralistic fabric be protected. "Secularism is the soul of our Constitution," he would argue, "and communalism is its greatest threat." His opposition to the saffronisation of education and his critique of the influence of right-wing ideologies on Indian society made him a central figure in the battle to preserve India’s secular ethos.

Yechury’s defense of secularism wasn’t just theoretical; it was action-oriented. He led protests, mobilized support, and united diverse opposition forces to resist the growing tide of communalism. "The diversity of India is not its weakness but its greatest strength," Yechury maintained, consistently warning of the dangers posed by right-wing forces seeking to divide the country along religious lines.

Equally important was his unyielding defense of freedom of speech and democratic rights. "Without freedom of speech, there is no democracy," he said, in response to governmental attempts to stifle dissent. His activism against censorship and his efforts to protect journalists and activists from state repression were crucial in maintaining a vibrant democracy.

A Voice for the Marginalized and the Oppressed

Yechury’s vision of socialism wasn’t limited to economic issues; it extended to the broader social spectrum. His commitment to the rights of women, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities remained unwavering throughout his career. "A society is judged not by the wealth of the powerful but by the dignity it grants to its weakest," he often remarked, urging policymakers to focus on inclusive growth that benefited everyone, not just the urban elite.

He led movements that sought justice for marginalized communities, championing causes like affirmative action, education for girls, and rights for tribal populations. His speeches in Parliament often highlighted the plight of the oppressed, whether it was about caste-based discrimination, rising unemployment, or the exploitation of women and children.

Unifier of the Opposition

Yechury’s legacy isn’t just one of leadership within the CPI(M); he also played a key role in forging alliances with other political parties to challenge right-wing dominance. He was one of the few Left leaders who realized the importance of coalition politics in a fragmented political landscape. "To defeat communalism and authoritarianism, we must unite in defense of democracy," Yechury said, recognizing the need to align with centrist and regional forces when necessary.

Though the CPI(M) traditionally maintained a distance from centrist and right-leaning parties, Yechury’s pragmatism allowed him to build coalitions without diluting the Left’s ideological purity. His efforts to unify the opposition were evident in multiple elections, where he worked with leaders from other political spectrums to create a front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His approach underscored that political compromise need not equate to ideological surrender. "Coalitions are not just political necessities," Yechury would explain, "they are a moral imperative when the values of democracy are at stake."

Parliamentarian Par Excellence

Yechury’s time in the Rajya Sabha was marked by sharp debates and eloquent articulation of key national issues. His speeches were renowned for their clarity, logic, and passion. "The role of a parliamentarian is not just to oppose but to propose alternatives," Yechury often said, and he lived by that principle. He wasn’t content with merely criticizing the government; he offered detailed, well-reasoned solutions that addressed the concerns of the common people.

From labor rights to foreign policy, Yechury’s critiques were always rooted in a profound understanding of India’s constitutional values. He opposed the India-U.S. nuclear deal on grounds of national sovereignty, arguing that foreign policy should not be dictated by economic opportunism but by principles of peace and non-alignment. "India’s independence cannot be compromised for short-term gains," Yechury asserted, a stance that reflected his belief in a multipolar world order where no nation is subservient to another.

Yechury’s Enduring Legacy

Yechury’s passing leaves an enormous void, not just within the CPI(M) but in Indian politics as a whole. His contributions to the Leftist movement, his unwavering defense of secularism, and his tireless fight for the rights of the marginalized will be remembered for generations. "We are not the inheritors of defeat," Yechury once said, encouraging his comrades to continue the struggle despite setbacks. His ability to blend ideological commitment with political pragmatism was one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to navigate the complexities of Indian politics without compromising on the core values of the Left.

Even in the face of the Left’s declining influence, particularly in West Bengal and Tripura, Yechury’s leadership ensured that the CPI(M) remained a relevant force in India’s political discourse. His work in Kerala, where the party continues to hold power, is a testament to his strategic brilliance and commitment to the socialist cause.

Sitaram Yechury was more than just a political leader; he was a statesman, a thinker, and a revolutionary. His intellectual depth, personal integrity, and commitment to socialism made him one of the most respected leaders of his time. While the challenges he faced were significant, his contributions to Indian politics, his advocacy for secularism, and his defense of democracy will endure. Yechury’s passing marks the end of an era, but his ideas and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in their struggle for justice, equality, and a better world. 

(The author Onkareshwar Pandey, is a seasoned writer, political journalist, commentator and Founder of the Commonwealth Thought Leaders Forum. He can be reached at +91 9311240119 or via email at [email protected]. LinkedIn- https://bit.ly/3BBYqfn)

September 14, 2024