Uttar Pradesh state mourning for ex-CM Mulayam Singh Yadav

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Samajwadi Patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

PM Modi said Yadav was a key soldier for Indian democracy during the period of 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," tweeted PM Modi.

"I had many interactions with Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji when we served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. The close association continued and I always looked forward to hearing his views. His demise pains me. Condolences to his family and lakhs of supporters. Om Shanti," Prime Minister said in another tweet.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the demise of veteran politician Mulayam Singh Yadav on October 10, saying his death has ended an era of struggle and socialism in the country.

Adityanath also announced a three-day state mourning and said the veteran leader's last rites would be conducted with full state honours.

"The death of former UP Chief Minister Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav ji is extremely sad. His death has ended a prominent pillar of socialism and an era of struggle. I pray to God for peace to the departed soul and my condolences to the bereaved family and supporters," the chief minister tweeted in Hindi.

The SP chief breathed his last on October 10 at the age of 82 after being in a critical condition and on life-saving drugs for the past several days at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital.

The news of Mulayam Singh's demise was announced by his son and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav today.

"My respected father and everyone's leader is no more," tweeted Akhilesh Yadav.

(ANI)