Samajwadi Party founder-patron Mulayam Singh Yadav was born on November 22, 1939. The 82-year-old political titan passed away on October 10, 2022. Fondly referred to as ‘Netaji’, the long-time parliamentarian served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh three times and also served as the Union Minister of Defence.
He was groomed by leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia and Raj Narain and was first elected as an MLA in the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh in 1967.
During the emergency in 1975, Yadav was arrested and kept in custody for 19 months. He went on to become a state minister for the first time in 1977. He became president of the Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh in 1980. In 1982, he was nominated as the leader of the opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council and held the post till 1985.
He first became the CM of Uttar Pradesh in 1989. In 1992, he founded the Samajwadi Party. He allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1993 and went on to become the Chief Minister for the second time. He became the CM for the third time in 2003 when the BJP pulled out from a coalition with the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Statements by Samajwadi Party MP justifying 1990 police firing on kar sevaks in Ayodhya have sparked political controversy, with victims and BJP leaders condemning the remarks and reviving debates in Uttar Pradesh politics.
Samajwadi Party MP Sanatan Pandey defends Mulayam Singh Yadav's 1990 police action in Ayodhya, stressing constitutional order. The issue resurfaces ahead of elections with political tensions rising.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a Bharatiya Janata Party strategy meeting in Lucknow ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, expressing confidence in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. Shah praised the state government's performance over two terms, particularly its measures against mafias and contributions to security and development, setting an electoral target of 313 seats. Targeting the opposition, Shah referenced the 1990 Ayodhya firing incident under the Mulayam Singh Yadav government and claimed the Samajwadi Party would remain out of power for decades, comparing the BJP's presence in the state to Angad's foot. In response, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the ruling party, alleging deceit in recent elections and asserting that opposition support stems directly from the public.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched an attack on the Samajwadi Party and Congress ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, stating that Muslims do not require another Gandhi or Nehru and must instead build their own political leadership. Addressing a public gathering in Azamgarh, a known stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, Owaisi questioned why leaders from within the community are sidelined and urged voters not to accept political subservience. He targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleging exploitation of the Muslim vote bank without providing genuine political empowerment. The remarks follow the refusal of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party to form an alliance with AIMIM, with opposition parties often alleging that AIMIM divides votes to benefit rivals. Owaisi maintained that mainstream parties merely seek votes while ignoring minority representation, highlighting historical and contemporary examples to argue for independent community representation in the upcoming assembly elections.
A political rift has emerged within the INDIA alliance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, with Congress Member of Parliament Imran Masood targeting Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over seat-sharing talks. Masood stated that Akhilesh Yadav must show a large heart to strengthen the alliance, asserting that the Samajwadi Party cannot defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party without Rahul Gandhi's leadership. In response, Samajwadi Party insiders and spokespersons maintained that Masood holds no authority regarding seat negotiations, which will ultimately be decided between Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. The discussion highlights growing posturing from the Congress party to secure more seats in Uttar Pradesh following its 2024 Lok Sabha performance, while the Samajwadi Party relies on its strong grassroots cadre and legislative presence of thirty-seven Lok Sabha MPs and over one hundred MLAs in the state.
Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Mulayam Singh Yadav and half-brother of Akhilesh Yadav, died at the age of 38 after reportedly falling ill at his Lucknow residence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Addressing the gathering, Mr Modi said 'Uttar Pradesh is making a different mark in India in the 21st century'. He unveiled statues of Vajpayee, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The Prime Minister attacked the Congress, stating that after independence, attempts were made to connect 'all the good work' to 'one family'. He accused the 'royal family' of trying to erase the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Highlighting the state's progress, he noted that UP is now discussed for its development rather than poor law and order. He also mentioned the renaming of Andaman islands after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the construction of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to honour all former Prime Ministers.
This special report focuses on the Bihar assembly elections, highlighting the contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, with key figures like Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar at the forefront. Political analyst Rajat Sethi made a sharp critique of the political legacy in the state, stating, 'they brought in a very, very ugly form of politics to the foray,' referring to former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav. The discussion also explores the unusual 'silent' nature of this election, a departure from Bihar's typically loud and vibrant political environment. Analysts on the show debate whether this quiet indicates an advantage for the incumbent NDA, led by a health-challenged Nitish Kumar, or if it masks an undercurrent of change, as a new generation of leaders prepares to take over from the old socialist guard that has dominated Bihar's politics for decades.
This special report focuses on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's fiery address at the Deepotsav 2025 inauguration in Ayodhya, where he launched a blistering attack on the Samajwadi Party and Congress. He stated, 'Those who order firing of bullets do not attend the consecration of the Ram temple.' Adityanath contrasted his government's celebration of Deepotsav with the previous SP regime, referencing the 1990 firing on kar sevaks. He accused the opposition of obstructing the Ram temple's construction, renaming Ayodhya to Faizabad, and following a 'divide and rule' policy. The report also covers the political war of words over SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's suggestion to use modern lights similar to Christmas instead of traditional diyas.
The memorial service saw the attendance of numerous party workers who came to pay their respects.
Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon, philanthropist Sudha Murthy and Samajwadi Party leader late Mulayam Singh Yadav were conferred the Padma Shri award on Wednesday by President of India Droupadi Murmu.
Ahead of the 74th Republic Day, the Centre on Wednesday announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Award, the highest civilian award in India. The President has approved the conferment of 106 Padma Awards- 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards. Dilip Mahalanabis and Mulayam Singh Yadav have been conferred Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Meanwhile, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Sudha Murty have been conferred the Padma Bhushan. MM Keeravaani, the composer of RRR's 'Naatu Naatu' song, has been conferred the Padma Shri in the field of arts.
Notable Padma awardees include ex-UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, KM Birla and composer of RRR's 'Naatu Naatu', MM Keeravaani.
Samajwadi Party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh CM Mulayam Singh Yadav was cremated today at his native Saifai village in Uttar Pradesh.
The ruling BJP in Karnataka is all set to launch 'Jan Sankalp Yatra' in the state on Tuesday in joint leadership of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Central Parliamentary Board Member and former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa to counter Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's last rites will be held with full state honours in the afternoon. People from across the length and breadth of Uttar Pradesh thronged the veteran leader's native village for his last darshan on Monday.
It's the end of an era. The netaji of caste consolidation, the man who erased Congress from UP - Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away today at 82.
Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav passed away today at a Gurugram hospital this morning. He was 82.
A legend in UP politics…A three-time CM of Uttar Pradesh…7 times MP…And five decades of political experience…Former UP Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party founder Mulalayam Singh Yadav is no more.
Following Mulayam Singh Yadav's demise, several political leaders paid tribute to the Samajwadi Party founder. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the loss was tragic while others noted the 'end of an era'.
Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's last rites will be held at his ancestral village. The ritual will begin at 3 pm. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Saifai.
