Former CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat has been named coordinator of the Politburo and Central Committee of the CPI(M) as an interim arrangement in the wake of the sudden demise of the party’s incumbent general secretary Sitaram Yechury earlier this month.
This was decided at a meeting of the party’s Central Committee under way in New Delhi. A full-time general secretary of the CPI(M) would be elected at the 24th Congress of the party slated to be held at Madurai in Tamil Nadu in the coming April.
“The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) now in session in New Delhi has decided that Comrade Prakash Karat will be the coordinator of the Politburo and the Central Committee, as an interim arrangement until the 24th Party Congress to be held in April 2025 at Madurai. This decision was taken due to the sad and sudden demise of the sitting General Secretary of the CPI(M), Comrade Sitaram Yechury,” a press release issued by the CPI(M) said.
Prakash Karat had remained general secretary of the CPI(M) from 2005-2015. Meanwhile, in a heartfelt tribute to late CPI(M) stalwart Sitaram Yechury, Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi praised Yechury’s vital role in uniting various parties within the INDIA bloc.
At a condolence meeting in Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium attended by political personalities across the spectrum on Saturday, Gandhi emphasised Yechury’s ability to foster collaboration and understanding among diverse political factions, acknowledging his commitment to progressive values and his dedication to the nation.
Yechury’s leadership and vision, according to Gandhi, were instrumental in building alliances that aimed to address pressing challenges faced by the country. His legacy, marked by his tireless work for unity and social justice, will be remembered as a guiding force in Indian politics.
“Politics, from the outside, seems simple, but inside, it’s an unforgiving, harsh, and uncomfortable space that often brings out the worst in people. It’s rare to see politics bring out the best in someone. I observed Yechury closely from the start of my political career and found him to be someone who was flexible and a good listener,” Gandhi said in his tribute.