PM Modi pays homage to Mulayam, hails him as grounded leader

The Prime Minister said that he always looked forward to interacting with Singh and hearing his views.

New Delhi: Condoling the death of Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch and veteran politician Mulayam Singh Yadav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh as a "humble and grounded leader" and key soldier for democracy during 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 emphasized on furthering national interest," tweeted Modi. Fondly recalling his past interactions with Mulayam, he shared several old photos of himself with the veteran politician on Twitter.

"Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji was a remarkable personality. 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," he stated in another tweet.

Modi said that he always looked forward to interacting with Singh and hearing his views. "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," tweeted the Prime Minister.

Later in the day the Prime Minister fondly recalled his relation with Mulayam after BJP declared him as the PM candidate ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The Prime Minister said that the advice he received from the SP veteran that day are still relevant to him.

"Mulayam Singh Yadav ji's demise is a huge loss for the nation. I had a special relationship with him. When BJP declared me as PM candidate in 2014, I spoke to all opposition leaders. He gave me his blessings and advice which are still relevant today," said Modi.