Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference (NC) leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah on Monday condoled the demise of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Mulayam Singh handed away on the age of 82 at a Gurugram Hospital on Monday at 8.16 am as a result of extended sickness. His situation was vital for the previous few weeks and he was on life-saving medicine.

For a very long time, the veteran politician had remained synonymous with the politics of the state.

Expressing grief over the loss of life of veteran chief, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti stated, “Mulayam Singh Yadav was a secular leader who protected and empowered the backward classes and Muslim minorities. He refused to surrender to communal forces. We should learn lessons from his life and firmly stand up to communal forces.”

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah stated that Mulayam Singh was a “people’s leader”, who devoted his total 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,” Farooq stated.

His son Omar Abdullah took to Twitter and conveyed “heartfelt condolences” to Mulayam Singh’s son Akhilesh Yadav and the household.

“I join my father & all my colleagues in conveying our heartfelt condolences to @yadavakhilesh& his entire family. Neta ji was a towering personality & his contribution to UP & the rest of the country will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace,” Omar’s tweet read.

‘Irreparable loss to Indian politics’

The demise of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is an irreparable loss to Indian politics, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

“My heartfelt tribute to him. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family members. Om Shanti,” Sinha stated in a tweet in Hindi.