Yechury on respiratory support, says CPM

Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury is in a critical condition in AIIMS, the party said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Comrade Sitaram Yechury is being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection. He is on respiratory support. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time,” the CPM said.

Yechury, 72, has been in AIIMS for a while now.

One of the most prominent opposition stalwarts, Yechury has been known for his anti-BJP stance both inside and outside Parliament.

Yechury’s clout in the Left Front is evident from the fact that he has been a member of the CPM’s central committee since 1984 and politburo since 1992.

The veteran leader’s term in the Rajya Sabha ended in 2020 when the CPM’s Kerala faction led by Prakash Karat prevailed on the party to deny a renomination to the party general secretary on the grounds that as a rule, no one is nominated beyond two terms.

Yechury is also known in political circles as a close adviser to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.