Lindiwe Sisulu vs Sitaram Yechury

Sisulu was appointed South Africa's Minister of Housing by President Thabo Mbeki. She oversaw the delivery of millions of subsidized houses to low-income families, a key part of the government's post-apartheid reconstruction program.

Sisulu was appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans by President Jacob Zuma. She oversaw the South African National Defence Force, including its involvement in peacekeeping missions in Africa and the integration of former liberation army members.

Sisulu was appointed Minister of Human Settlements, a renamed portfolio continuing her earlier housing work. She focused on upgrading informal settlements and providing affordable housing, though the department faced challenges with delivery and corruption.

Sisulu was appointed to this portfolio by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She oversaw higher education institutions and science policy, including addressing student funding and university transformation issues.

Yechury led the party's campaign in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the CPI(M) suffered significant losses, winning only 9 and 3 seats respectively. This marked a low point for the party.

Sitaram Yechury was elected as the General Secretary of CPI(M), succeeding Prakash Karat. He led the party through a period of electoral decline and sought to broaden its appeal.

Yechury pushed for a broad secular front to counter the BJP, including alliances with Congress and regional parties. This strategy was debated within the CPI(M) and led to tensions with other left parties.