New Delhi

Veteran political leader and CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit at the AIIMS here, passed away on Thursday. He was 72.

His passing away was condoled by leaders spanning the political spectrum.

The CPI-M leader was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection.

He was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection and had been on respiratory support for some days now, as per a CPI-M statement on Tuesday, adding his condition was "critical but stable". A multidisciplinary team of doctors was tending to him, it added.

Yechury had succeeded Prakash Karat as the CPI-M chief in 2015.

The Left leader, who recently underwent cataract surgery, was a member of the CPI-M's Politburo, the top decision-making body, for over three decades.

He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017.

Mourning his passing away, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: "Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country".

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.

A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.

I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

"I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," he said in a post on X.

"ADIEU COMRADE Sitaram Yechury Students' Federation of India dips its banner in honour of our beloved comrade, former All India President of SFI and General Secretary of CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury," the party's student wing said on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X, said: "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues".

Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics.

I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 12, 2024

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sitaram Yechury Ji. His contributions to public life will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Om Shanti".

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers".