The CPI(M) General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, who is sufferng from an acute respiratory tract infection, was provided with respiratory support at AIIMS, Delhi. His condition continues to be monitored by a team of specialists.

Mr. Yechury was admitted to the emergency wing of AIIMS on August 19 following high fever. Sources said he was diagnosed with pneumonia, though the initial reports described his condition as “not serious.”.

Political Contributions and Legacy

As politburo member of CPI(M), Yechury is considered to be one of the key architects of coalition politics in the country. He drafted the common minimum program for United Front in 1996 and supported the formation of UPA government in 2004.

Arrest During the Emergency

In 1975, Sitaram Yechury was arrested during the Emergency while still a student at JNU – he went on to be elected as the president of the JNU Students’ Union thrice between 1977 and 1978.