People's Democracy

Comrade YRK

SENIOR leader of the CPI(M), prominent people’s physician and former member of Rajya Sabha, Comrade Yalamanchali Radhakrishna Murthy, passed away on the night of October 19 in Hyderabad. He was 85 year old and had been admitted in a hospital here after suffering heart stroke on October 10. He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.  His body was cremated amidst huge participation of Party activists, sympathisers and general public in Khammam town on October 20.

Popularly known as YRK, his life became entwined with people’s movement since his student days. In a condolence statement, the CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh state committee noted his unforgettable role in fighting against emergency and in upholding civil rights of people. The state committee underlined his effective role in highlighting people’s issues in Rajya Sabha during his tenure. “The role of YRK in taking the Party to a strong position in Khammam district by remaining steadfastly with the CPI(M) during the split is noteworthy. He rendered significant service as member of state committee and state secretariat.” The state committee paid tributes to YRK and conveyed its deep condolences to the family members.

Hailing from Jamidinta village in Krishna district, YRK completed his medical education from Visakhapatnam in 1951. He shifted to Khammam in 1952 and set up medical practice and won the love of people for rendering service as a people’s physician. He was arrested and sent to jail for five times during various struggles. In fact, he filed nomination as Party’s candidate for Lok Sabha while in jail during Emergency.

Comrade YRK became a member of state committee in 1993 and member of state secretariat in 1997. He was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1996. He asked to be relieved from Party positions due to advancing age. The death of this multi-faceted Communist leader has brought in a pall of gloom in Khammam district and among Left supporters across the state.

(INN)