‘Irreparable loss’: Tributes pour in as Mulayam Singh Yadav dies at 82

Mulayam Singh Yadav was a three-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and also served as the Union Defence Minister in the HD Deve Gowda government in 1996-97.

Expressing his grief on the passing away of the veteran politician, Prime Minster Modi said, “Mulayam Singh Yadav’s demise pains me, he was a remarkable personality and was widely admired as a grounded leader.”

“He served people diligently and devoted his life towards popularising the ideals of Loknayak JP and Dr. Lohia and was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency,”the PM tweeted.

BSP chief Mayawati also took to twitter to express her condolences on passing away of the veteran Samajwadi Party leader.

President Droupadi Murmu termed the demise of Yadav an “irreparable loss” to the country. “‘Dharti Putra’ Mulayam ji was a veteran leader associated with the land. He was respected by people of all parties. My deepest condolences to his family members and supporters!” the president tweeted.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi said that she was pained by the demise of veteran politician Mulayam Singh Yadav. “As the Defence Minister of the country & CM of UP, the contribution of Mulayam Singh will always be unforgettable,” she wrote in her condolence message.

“Mulayam Singh Yadav was a true warrior associated with grassroots politics,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi, as he expressed his condolences on the demise of Samajwadi Party patriarch.

Expressing his condolences to Yadav’s family, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, “A political giant has passed. A great loss to all Indians.”

“Netaji was one of the tallest socialist leader our country has seen,” NCP leader Supriya Sule tweeted.

Expressing his condolences, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said, “A true son of the soil, Mulayam Singh Yadav was a leader of the masses.”

“He was a people’s leader. He devoted all his life to the welfare of the poor. He used to respect all religions and fight for all religions,” National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was quoted saying on the demise of the veteran SP leader by news agency ANI.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said that not only was Yadav the icon of the Socialist Movement, but he was also a great parliamentarian and a distinguished administrator who devoted his whole life to the service of the poor and other backward communities.

“‘Netaji’ was dear to all. He devoted his life to Uttar Pradesh and the nation. His demise is a great loss to the country. His contributions to the nation will be remembered for many years to come,” Union minister Piyush Goyal was quoted saying by news agency ANI.

“Mulayam ji had good relations with his opponents. Whenever met him, he discussed various issues with open heart. He contributed for the development of country and society, his death is painful,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted. Singh will also be going to Saifai, Uttar Pradesh tomorrow to attend the last rites of Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Expressing grief on the demise of the SP veteran, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav tweeted, “His contribution was incomparable in the politics of the country and in bringing the underprivileged in the front line.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the great national leader & founder of the Samajwadi Party, Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav ji. His passing is a major loss to our country and our polity,” tweeted TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

From the homepage

How will the US government shutdown impact immigrants and visa holders?

Sonam Wangchuk is not a terrorist, says Rajasthan MP after being turned away from Jodhpur prison gate

Haryana Congress has a new chief, but guess who is looming over him? Bhupinder Hooda