Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his condolences on the demise of Sharad Yadav, a former Union minister and leader of the RJD, who passed away on January 12 at the age of 75. "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," PM Modi wrote on his Twitter.
On Twitter, his daughter Subhashini Sharad Yadav said, "Papa nahi rahe" to confirm the news.
Due to the former minister's deteriorating health, he was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Gurugram. Sharad Yadav was brought to the emergency room, according to a statement from the hospital, "unconscious and unresponsive" and without "any pulse or recordable blood pressure."
Yadav was declared dead at 10:19 p.m., according to the hospital, despite the best efforts of medical personnel.
Yadav founded the Janata Dal (United) in 1997 after separating from the Janata Dal in the 1970s. He was a product of the movement that was led by Jayaprakash Narayan. When the Election Commission recognised the faction led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2017, Sharad lost his claim to JD(U). After Kumar filed a petition against him for engaging in “anti-party activities,” he was later disqualified from the Rajya Sabha. Yadav then launched the LJD in 2018, after separating from JD(U).
"Sharad Yadav ji was a man of humble nature along with being a pioneer of socialism. I have learnt a lot from him. I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family. His contribution to the country will always be remembered," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote:
"I am saddened by the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah, senior RJD leader, great socialist leader, respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am unable to say anything. I had a conversation with my mother and brother Shantanu. In this hour of grief, the entire Socialist family is with the (Yadav) family," RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted.
"Today the strong voice of socialism has become silent, but it will always shine in our memories as an inspiration! Tearful emotional tribute to respected Sharad Yadav ji," former Bihar CM Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharati wrote.
"Sharad Yadav was my political guardian. He had a big role in making me the Deputy Chief Minister. Bihar will never forget his contribution," wrote former Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi.