CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury’s eldest son Ashish Yechury, 35, passed away early on Thursday morning from COVID-19 complications .
Ashish is survived by his wife, Swati, his mother, Indrani Mazumdar, sister Akhila and brother Danish. He had worked in The Times of India , IBN Live , Newslaundry and Pune Mirror .
He had been in the ICU since April 12, after the infection spread to his lungs.
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform that I lost my elder son, Ashish Yechury, to COVID-19 this morning. I want to thank all those who gave us hope and who treated him — doctors, nurses, frontline health workers, sanitation workers and innumerable others who stood by us,” Mr. Yechury tweeted.
President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders offered condolences.
“Grieved beyond words to learn about the untimely demise of Shri Ashish Yechury. In this moment of profound grief, my deepest condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury, his family and loved ones. May you find the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Mr. Kovind tweeted.
“Condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji and his family on the tragic and untimely demise of his son, Ashish. Om Shanti,” Mr. Modi wrote on Twitter
CPI general secretary D Raja said he spoke to Mr. Yechury in the morning.
“I have fond memories of both Ashish and Akhila, seeing them grow up. Both used to spend a lot of time at our home after school playing with my daughter Aparjitha. They were living on the 5th floor and we were in the 3rd floor of VP house (hostel for MPs),” Mr. Raja told The Hindu .
Senior Congress leaders also expressed their condolences. Congress General Secretary, Communications, Randeep Surjewala, tweeted, “Deeply sorry for your loss @SitaramYechury ji ! No words can take away the immeasurable pain of losing a loved one at such a young age. May God give you the strength to heal and cherish his memories forever.”
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, in a heartfelt post on Twitter, said that there is no greater loss for a parent to endure. “May you find the strength to bear the inexpressible grief of your loss. My heart goes out to you at this painful time,” Mr. Tharoor said.