Yadav, one of six children in the family, was raised in a poor farming family. He initially wanted to become a wrestler but he opted for higher studies. He got his Master’s degree in Political Science from Agra University, Agra.
He became involved in politics at the age of 15 when he encountered the writing of the Indian socialist Dr Ram Manohar Lohia whom he met in 1966, on the latter’s visit to Etawah. He went on to become the youngest MLA by defeating one of the persuasive leaders of Congress.
Yadav formed his own party in 1992 which pledged to create a socialist society.
The second son of Mulayam Singh Yadav; Pratik Yadav, has always stayed away from politics and has kept himself involved in businesses ranging from fitness centers to real estate.