CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who was admitted at AIIMS Delhi, passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 72.

Senior CPI (M) leader Yechury was admitted to the intensive care unit of Delhi AIIMS on August 19 and was being treated for acute respiratory tract infection.

Yechury was suffering from a pneumonia-like infection, but doctors had not disclosed the exact nature of the ailment. He recently underwent cataract surgery.

The CPI(M) leader was undergoing treatment by a multidisciplinary team of doctors.

He is survived by his wife Seema Chishti Yechury and two children.

Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise of CPI(M) leader Yechury.

In a post on X, Gandhi said, “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.”

Announcing the passing away of its stalwart leader Yechury on social media X, the CPI(M) party expressed grief and said, “Our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi.”

He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications, the party said.

“We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed,” it added.

Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, Yechury studied at Delhi University during graduation and completed post-graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday condemned the attack on a young Army officer and his friend and the alleged sexual assault of their female friend in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, calling it disgraceful for society, adding law and order is almost non-existent in BJP-ruled states.

The Congress leader said the violence against two Army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh was enough to shame the entire society.

“Law and order in BJP-ruled states are almost non-existent and the negative attitude of BJP government towards the day-by-day increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying,” the Rae Bareli MP said in a post on X.

Gandhi said the audacity of these criminals is a result of the complete failure of the administration and added that “the unsafe environment prevailing in the country is a restriction on the freedom and aspirations of the daughters of India.”

He said both the society and the government should be ashamed and think seriously. “How long will they turn a blind eye to the responsibility of protecting half the population of the country,” the former Congress chief expressed his concern.

According to reports, a young Army officer of the Military Headquarters of Welfare Infantry School in Mhow, along with his friend, was assaulted by 7-8 unknown miscreants, and one of their two women friends was allegedly sexually assaulted.

Earlier today, police arrested two people in connection with the assault on a young Army officer and his friend, as per the report.

Speaking to ANI, Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said police received information yesterday that four people visited the Army firing range late at night. An incident of 2 people being thrashed occurred there, she added.

“The two others were told to bring Rs 10 Lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. Complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her,” she said.

The Police officer further said that a team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped. A team of ten police personnel carried out investigations and police identified 6 named accused, she added.

“Two of them have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining four, they will be caught at the earliest. Women’s statement is yet to be recorded, once it happens further action will be taken,” SP Vasal said.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government over its handling of the conflict with China saying that it is a disaster that 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory is occupied by troops from the neighbouring country.

The Leader of the Opposition, however, indicated that the Congress is in broad agreement with the NDA-led government on other major foreign policy issues, including relations with the US, no talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ends and concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, Gandhi asserted that he did not want any US role in India’s internal affairs.

Responding to a question about China, he said “Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We’ve got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh.”

“I think that’s a disaster. Media doesn’t like to write about it. How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory?” he asked.

“Would any president be able to get away with saying that he’s handled that well?” he said.

Gandhi, however, supported PM Modi’s policies on Pakistan and said, “Pakistan’s instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. We’re just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, there’s going to be problems between us.”

Responding to a question on the India-US relationship, Gandhi noted that it has bipartisan support in both countries.

“I don’t see a big diversion. I don’t see Modi diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don’t see ourselves changing direction very much from what he’s doing. So, I see continuity there,” he said.

Gandhi, who is on an unofficial four-day trip to the US, said everyone accepts the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries.

The Congress leader criticised the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year but said the scale of violence that ensued must stop.

Responding to a question on Bangladesh, Gandhi said there are concerns in India about extremist elements in Bangladesh and “we share some of those concerns.”

However, Gandhi was confident that things would stabilise in Bangladesh and that India would be able to have a relationship with the current government or any other government after that.

Gandhi had a meeting with a group of lawmakers at the US Capitol where the issue was discussed.