Prateek Yadav’s family legacy
New Delhi: The sudden demise of Prateek Yadav, son of the late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, has plunged one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential families into mourning.
Prateek, aged 38, passed away in Lucknow on Wednesday morning after reportedly falling ill. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital at 5:55 am, where doctors declared him brought dead. The exact cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, and a post-mortem examination is currently underway.
Despite being born into a prominent political family, Prateek largely remained away from active politics, instead dedicating himself to business, fitness, and social welfare initiatives. His passing has renewed public focus on the Yadav family and its enduring political legacy.
Mulayam Singh Yadav: The Patriarch
At the heart of the Yadav family was Mulayam Singh Yadav, a towering figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, three-time Chief Minister, and founder of the Samajwadi Party. He left behind a vast political legacy that was carried forward primarily by his elder son, Akhilesh Yadav, while his younger son, Prateek, chose a quieter path outside politics.
Prateek Yadav and Sadhana Gupta
Prateek was the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife, Sadhana Gupta. Sadhana stayed largely away from the public eye but became known after her relationship with Mulayam Singh Yadav became public. She passed away on July 9, 2022, followed by Mulayam Singh Yadav a few months later on October 10, 2022. Prateek’s death marks yet another heartbreaking loss for the family.
Brother Akhilesh Yadav
Prateek’s brother, Akhilesh Yadav, has been the political face of the family as the Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh is married to Dimple Yadav, an active politician and Member of Parliament. The couple has three children: daughters Aditi and Tina, and son Arjun.
Aparna Yadav: Wife and Political Figure
Prateek married Aparna Bisht Yadav in November 2011, following several years of courtship. Their wedding in Saifai was widely covered as a major political event in Uttar Pradesh.
Aparna later entered politics, initially joining the Samajwadi Party and contesting the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections from Lucknow Cantonment, though she was unsuccessful. In January 2022, she switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and became vice-chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission. Beyond politics, Aparna is also recognized for her contributions to social work, women’s welfare, and animal welfare initiatives.
Children: Prathama and Pratiksha Yadav
Prateek and Aparna Yadav have two daughters. Their elder daughter, Prathama, was born on March 20, 2014, while their younger daughter is named Pratiksha. Despite their high-profile background, the family maintained a private life for their children, keeping them away from political limelight.
Life and Interests of Prateek Yadav
Prateek pursued studies at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom before returning to India. He focused on business and fitness ventures, including running a gym called “The Fitness Planet” in Lucknow. Known for his remarkable physical transformation, he was passionate about bodybuilding and wellness.
In addition to fitness, Prateek actively supported animal welfare, particularly initiatives for the rescue and rehabilitation of stray dogs through an organization called “Jeev Ashray.”
Reports of Personal Stress
In recent months, Prateek had shared social media posts hinting at mental stress and personal challenges, including tensions in his marital life. However, no official legal proceedings related to separation or divorce were reported.
Following his passing, condolences poured in from across political circles, including leaders from both the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many remembered him as a private individual who lived away from the political spotlight, despite his family’s towering legacy in Uttar Pradesh.
