When Sitaram Yechury fought Indira Gandhi: A turning point in JNU's history

New Delhi: Sitaram Yechury, a prominent figure in Indian politics, is remembered for his resolute stance during a critical moment in the history of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His decisive action against then-Chancellor Indira Gandhi, amid a backdrop of political upheaval, significantly shaped his career and the university's legacy. Yechury passed away today at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness.

When India had its first non-Congress government

The year was 1977, a period marked by significant political shifts. Following the end of the Emergency, Indira Gandhi's government was ousted in the Lok Sabha elections, and India saw its first non-Congress government led by Morarji Desai. Despite the Congress party's electoral defeat, Indira Gandhi retained her position as Chancellor of JNU, a move that sparked intense opposition from the university’s student body.

At the forefront of this opposition was Sitaram Yechury, then President of the JNU Students' Union and an Economics student. The students, outraged by Gandhi’s Emergency declaration and her perceived authoritarianism, vehemently opposed her continued role as Chancellor.

Protest at Indira Gandhi’s residence

Determined to make their voices heard, Yechury and a large group of students marched to Indira Gandhi’s residence. The demonstration, marked by chants and slogans against Gandhi, drew significant attention. Despite various attempts to disperse the crowd, Indira Gandhi eventually emerged from her residence to engage with the protesters.

During this confrontation, Yechury presented a memorandum demanding Gandhi’s resignation from the position of Chancellor. Standing beside Yechury with a smile, Gandhi’s demeanor during the incident was a notable contrast to the charged atmosphere. Following this protest, Gandhi resigned from her role as Chancellor, though Yechury was subsequently arrested.

Memorandum, opposition to emergency programs

In his memorandum, Yechury argued that a dictator should not hold a prestigious academic position like Chancellor and demanded Gandhi’s immediate resignation. Additionally, he opposed a planned program by Gandhi at JNU during the Emergency, which was thwarted by the students’ protests.

This confrontation catapulted Yechury into the national spotlight, marking his emergence as a significant political figure. Serving as the President of the JNU Students' Union from 1977 to 1978, Yechury continued to rise within the Communist Party of India (Marxist), becoming the joint secretary of the Student Federation of India, the party’s student wing.

From economics to politics

Although Yechury initially aspired to pursue a PhD in Economics, his career took a decisive turn towards politics. In 2004, during the formation of the UPA government under Manmohan Singh, Yechury played a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

Sitaram Yechury’s legacy is marked by his bold actions during a tumultuous period in Indian history, and his career reflects his enduring influence in Indian politics.