Prakash Karat Appointed Interim Coordinator for CPI(M) Until 24th Party Congress

Prakash Karat has been appointed as the interim coordinator for CPI(M)'s Politburo and Central Committee following the death of General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. This arrangement will continue until the 24th party Congress in April 2025. Karat, a senior CPI(M) leader, served as the party's general secretary from 2005 to 2015.

In a move aligned with party continuity, senior CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat has been appointed as the interim coordinator of the Politburo and Central Committee. This decision comes in response to the sudden passing of General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on September 12.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced on Sunday that Karat will serve in this capacity until the 24th party Congress, scheduled for April 2025 in Madurai. Karat, previously the party's general secretary from 2005 to 2015, is one of the most prominent faces within the CPI(M).

Born on February 7, 1948, Karat's political journey spans several decades, from his early days in student politics at the University of Edinburgh to various leadership roles within CPI(M). He was instrumental during critical phases of the party, including the withdrawal of support to the UPA government in 2008. However, the CPI(M) has seen a decline in parliamentary strength over the years.

(With inputs from agencies.)