CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury 'critical,' on respiratory support at AIIMS
What's the story
Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury is in a "critical" condition and currently on respiratory support at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, the party said on Tuesday. The 72-year-old politician is in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection, it added.
Medical update
Yechury's health being monitored by multi-disciplinary team
"A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time," the party said in a statement. Yechury was admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. On August 31, the CPI(M) released an update stating that he was being treated for a respiratory issue by a team of specialist doctors.
Public presence
Yechury's recent activities and medical history
Despite his health concerns, Yechury has remained active on social media. He released a six-minute video on X (formerly Twitter) on August 22, expressing condolences after the passing of Buddhadev Bhattacharya, former chief minister of West Bengal. On August 23, he posted a message of solidarity between the CPI(M), Congress and NC in Jammu and Kashmir for its upcoming assembly election.
Political journey
Yechury's political career and contributions
Yechury, a member of the politburo of the CPI(M), recently underwent cataract surgery. He is known for continuing the coalition-building legacy of former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Additionally, he collaborated with P Chidambaram to draft the common minimum program for the United Front government in 1996 and played a key role in coalition-building efforts during the formation of the United Progressive Alliance government in 2004.