New Delhi:

Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav died today following prolonged illness. He was 82.

Mr Yadav was undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital since August. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced three-day state mourning and said the last rites of Mr Yadav will be performed with full state honours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the veteran politician’s death and said that he was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency. 

“Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji distinguished himself in UP and national politics. He was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency. As Defence Minister, he worked for a stronger India. His Parliamentary interventions were insightful and emphasised on furthering national interest,” he tweeted.

Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji distinguished himself in UP and national politics. He was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency. As Defence Minister, he worked for a stronger India. His Parliamentary interventions were insightful and emphasised on furthering national interest. pic.twitter.com/QKGfFfimr8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2022

Mulayam Singh Yadav served people diligently, devoted his life towards popularising ideals of Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, PM Modi said in another tweet.

Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji was a remarkable personality. He was widely admired as a humble and grounded leader who was sensitive to people’s problems. He served people diligently and devoted his life towards popularising the ideals of Loknayak JP and Dr. Lohia. pic.twitter.com/kFtDHP40q9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2022

President Draupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences to Mr Yadav’s family and followers.

श्री मुलायम सिंह यादव का निधन देश के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है। साधारण परिवेश से आए मुलायम सिंह यादव जी की उपलब्धियां असाधारण थीं। ‘धरती पुत्र’ मुलायम जी जमीन से जुड़े दिग्गज नेता थे। उनका सम्मान सभी दलों के लोग करते थे। उनके परिवार-जन व समर्थकों के प्रति मेरी गहन शोक-संवेदनाएं!

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 10, 2022

Home Minister Amit Shah termed his demise as “the end of an era”. 

मुलायम सिंह यादव जी अपने अद्वितीय राजनीतिक कौशल से दशकों तक राजनीति में सक्रिय रहे। आपातकाल में उन्होंने लोकतंत्र की पुनर्स्थापना के लिए बुलंद आवाज उठाई। वह सदैव एक जमीन से जुड़े जननेता के रूप में याद किए जाएँगे। उनका निधन भारतीय राजनीति के एक युग का अंत है।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 10, 2022

    
“Received the sad news of demise of former Chief Minister of UP and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav. May almighty rest his soul at his feet and give strength to his family and admirers to bear the loss,” tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal. 

उत्तर प्रदेश के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और समाजवादी नेता श्री मुलायम सिंह यादव जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार मिला। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान दें एवं उनके सभी प्रशंसकों और परिजनों को ये अपार दुख सहने की शक्ति दें।
ॐ शांति 🙏 https://t.co/EJUydFyliJ

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 10, 2022

“I join my father & all my colleagues in conveying our heartfelt condolences to @yadavakhilesh & his entire family. Neta ji was a towering personality & his contribution to UP & the rest of the country will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted his condolences. 

I join my father & all my colleagues in conveying our heartfelt condolences to @yadavakhilesh & his entire family. Neta ji was a towering personality & his contribution to UP & the rest of the country will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace. https://t.co/UndVFrUCxh

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 10, 2022