Former Union Minister and notable socialist leader Sharad Yadav on Thursday died at 75. He was going through health issues for a long time.
Mr Yadav had collapsed at his residence in Delhi on Thursday and he was immediately rushed to the Gurugram’s Fortis Memorial Research Institute where the authorities said that the 75 year-old leader was brought in an unresponsive and unconscious state.
“On examination, he did not have any pulse or recordable blood pressure. He underwent CPR as per ACLS protocols. Despite best efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 10.19 pm,” said a statement from Fortis Memorial Research Institute.
Mr Yadav had started his political career as a student leader and was later joined anti-Congress camp. He remained a key leader of opposition. Following 2015 Bihar assembly elections he became crucial in forming the Grand Alliance.
In late 90s, Sharad Yadav also served as a member in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and in 1989 in VP Singh government.
He was one of the founding members of Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal United, he had quit after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had broken the alliance to join BJP.
Sharad Yadav was also a three-time Rajya Sabha member and was elected seven times to the Lok Sabha.
He had even launched his own party – Loktantrik Janata Dal in 2018, which he later merged with Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal saying that it was the “first step towards a united opposition”.
Expressing his grief over the death of the veteran leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Pained by the passing away of Shri Sharad Yadav Ji. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as MP and Minister. He was greatly inspired by Dr. Lohia’s ideals. I will always cherish our interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti”.
“I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah, senior leader of RJD, great socialist leader and my guardian respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am unable to say anything. Had a conversation with mother and brother Shantanu. In this hour of grief, the entire Samajwadi family is with the family members,” said Tejashwi Yadav in a tweet.
