President, PM Modi & Odisha CM Mourns Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Death, Final Rites Tomorrow

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who breathed his last at a private hospital in Gurugram in the early hours of Monday, left the nation in shock. The former wrestler, who made his way into politics, held three tenures as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, regarded as the most crucial state in the electoral politics of the country.

Popularly called as “Netaji” by his party workers, he was in critical condition and on life-saving drugs.

Confirming the news of his death, his son Akhilesh Yadav wrote, ” मेरे आदरणीय पिता जी और सबके नेता जी नहीं रहे। ” .

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing grief, said that the death of Mulayam Singh Yadav marked the end of socialist politics in UP. He declared a three-day state mourning and announced that the last rites will be performed with full state honour.

Offering condolences President Draupadi Murmu said the feats of Mulayam Singh were extraordinary despite being from an ordinary family. He was dearly loved by all political parties, she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the various roles played by the SP supremo said that he was a true soldier of democracy during India’s emergency and the news of his death pained him.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the socialist leader will always be remembered for his contribution to uplift the downtrodden. Mulayam Singh and Naveen Patnaik were allies in 1997 when the latter was first elected to the Lok Sabha on June 1, 1997, from Janata Dal. In June 1997, JD and SP were coalition partners in the United Front Govt at the Centre headed by PM IK Gujral. The Biju Janata Dal was formed on December 26, 1997.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that he would attend the final rites of Mulayam Singh Yadav to pay last respects to the leader. He has said that despite being in opposition he always had cordial relations with everyone.

Hearing the news of his death, Home minister Amit Shah rushed to Medanta Hospital to pay last respects to the departed leader.

The last rites of Mulayam Singh Yadav would be performed at his native place in Saifai on Tuesday before which the remains would be brought to the party office in Lucknow.