Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, passed away at the age of 38 on Sunday. He had been battling a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Gurugram.
Political Reactions Pour In
News of his demise triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders across the spectrum. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences, saying, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Prateek Yadav. May his soul rest in peace." Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, in a heartfelt message, said, "My younger brother Prateek is no more. This is a very painful moment for our family. We request everyone to respect our privacy." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also offered his sympathies, tweeting, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Prateek Yadav. My thoughts are with the Yadav family."
A Life Away from Limelight
Unlike his father and elder brother, Prateek Yadav largely stayed away from the political spotlight. He was known to be a low-profile figure who occasionally accompanied his father during public events. Born in 1985, he was the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife, Sadhna Gupta. He completed his schooling in Lucknow and later pursued higher education in Delhi. Despite his family's political prominence, Prateek chose to maintain a private life, focusing on business ventures.
His health had been deteriorating over the past few years, and he was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram a few weeks ago. The cause of death is reported to be multiple organ failure due to a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Legacy and Family Background
Prateek Yadav's father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is a towering figure in Indian politics, having served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh multiple times and as the Defence Minister of India. His stepbrother, Akhilesh Yadav, is a prominent leader and former Chief Minister. The Yadav family has been a dominant force in Uttar Pradesh politics for decades, with the Samajwadi Party being a key player in the state's political landscape.
Prateek's passing has left a void in the family, with many recalling his gentle demeanor and humility. His funeral was held in Lucknow with state honors, attended by several political dignitaries and family members. The Samajwadi Party announced a three-day mourning period.
