Several Union ministers, including defence Minister Rajnath Singh, offered their condolences on Monday following the passing of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and praised the senior politician’s contributions to Indian politics.
The defence minister said Mulayam Singh had “the best relations” with everyone. “Despite being hostile in politics, Mulayam Singh ji had the best relations with everyone. He used to talk with an open heart on different subjects. My interactions with him on various occasions will always remain fresh in my memory. My condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief,” Rajnath Singh tweeted.
In a different tweet, he described Mulayam Singh as a politician who spent many years in the spotlight in the state of Uttar Pradesh and who strived to advance the nation, society, and state. He said, “His death is painful.
Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was “saddened” by the demise of the SP patriarch. “Very saddened by the sad demise of Samajwadi Party patriarch and former CM of UP Sh #MulayamSinghYadav ji. He was a mass grassroot leader. Extending my deepest condolences to his family. I pray for his departed soul. Om Shanti,” Rijiju said.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Mulayam Singh’s death is an “irreparable loss” to politics.
“The departure of Samajwadi Party founder and former UP CM Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. May God grant his refuge to the departed soul. May the family and supporters get strength. Regards tribute! Peace!” Shekhawat tweeted.
At the age of 82, Mulayam Singh Yadav passed away in a hospital in Gurugram from problems associated with ageing. The seasoned politician had been associated with state politics for a very long period. Over the course of his five-decade career, he witnessed numerous ups and downs at UP. He was affectionately referred to as “Netaji” because of his extensive knowledge of state affairs.
Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was born on November 22, 1939, in the Etawah district’s Saifai hamlet, climbed fast through the political ranks to serve three times as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and once as the Minister of Defense in the Union Government.