Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of his stepbrother Prateek Yadav, remembering him as a hard-working and health-conscious person who wanted to move ahead in life through his own efforts.
Akhilesh Yadav visited Lucknow Civil Hospital, where Prateek Yadav’s body was kept for post-mortem examination after he was declared brought dead earlier in the day. The exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.
Prateek Yadav, 38, was the younger son of late Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife, Sadhana Gupta. Though he belonged to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential political families, he largely stayed away from active politics and focused on business and fitness-related ventures in Lucknow.
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Akhilesh Yadav said he had known Prateek since childhood and described the loss as deeply painful.
“I have seen him since childhood. It is unfortunate that he is no longer with us today. Since childhood, he has been conscious of his health and his fitness. He wanted to achieve something and go forward in life. He was a very good boy who wanted to do something through his hard work,” the SP chief said.
He added that all legal formalities would be carried out as per procedure and in consultation with the family.
“Naturally, we will follow whatever the law says and what the family says,” he said.
Akhilesh Yadav recalls last meeting with Prateek Yadav
The Kannauj MP also recalled meeting Prateek Yadav around two months ago and said he had advised him to focus on both his health and business.
“I had told him to take care of his health and business. Sometimes people get sad over the losses incurred in the business,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Yadav posted a condolence message on X, saying: “The passing of Shri Prateek Yadav Ji is deeply saddening. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Humble tribute.”
According to hospital officials, Prateek Yadav was brought to the Civil Hospital in Lucknow at around 5:55 am, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Devesh Chandra Pandey said the police were informed immediately, and the body was later sent for post-mortem.
Family sources said Prateek Yadav had been dealing with lung-related health complications and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. His condition reportedly worsened on Wednesday morning after he became unresponsive at home.
MK Stalin condoles Prateek Yadav’s demise
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin also condoled the death and extended support to Akhilesh Yadav and his family.
In a message shared on social media, Stalin said he was “deeply saddened” by the news and prayed for strength for the bereaved family.
“In moments of such profound grief and pain, my thoughts are with beloved brother Thiru. Akhilesh Yadav and the entire bereaved family. May they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
He further added, “We will always be with you during such difficult times.”