Mulayam Singh Yadav was "a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency" and "I always looked forward to hearing his views," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of tweets as he condoled the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo 's death early Monday.

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Extending his condolences, PM Modi tweeted: "...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."

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

Undated photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. (PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief, calling Mulayam Singh 'Dharti Putra'.

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

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also extended her "deepest condolences" to SP chief and Mulayam's son Akhilesh Yadav. She tweeted, "His incomparable contribution to Indian politics as a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Defense Minister of the Government of India and a strong advocate of social justice will always be remembered."

श्री मुलायम सिंह यादव जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार मिला। भारतीय राजनीति में उप्र के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री, भारत सरकार के रक्षामंत्री व सामाजिक न्याय के सशक्त पैरोकार के रूप में उनका अतुलनीय योगदान हमेशा याद रखा जाएगा।@yadavakhilesh व अन्य सभी प्रियजनों के प्रति मेरी गहरी शोक संवेदनाएं

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) October 10, 2022

Mulayam Singh with BSP chief Mayawati. (Credit: PTI)

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "He (Mulayam Singh) was a grassroots leader who played a prominent role in the politics of Uttar Pradesh for many decades."

राजनीति में विरोधी होने के बावजूद मुलायम सिंह जी के सबसे अच्छे संबंध थे। जब भी उनसे भेंट होती तो वे बड़े खुले मन से अनेक विषयों पर बात करते। अनेक अवसरों पर उनसे हुई बातचीत मेरी स्मृति में सदैव तरोताज़ा रहेगी। दुःख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों एवं समर्थकों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएँ।

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 10, 2022

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Mulayam Singh at an Iftar Party hosted. (PTI)

"May god rest the departed soul...and give strength to all his followers and family members to bear this immense loss," tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, Union minister Piyush Goyal was quoted by ANI as saying, "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."

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah also said, "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. There's no person in India who would not be grieved on this day."

Mulayam Singh Yadav dies

Mulayam Singh Yadav died early Monday after suffering from prolonged illness. He was 82. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav confirmed the demise of his father Mulayam Singh, as per a tweet by the party.

First Published:Oct 10, 2022 10:26 AM IST