The leader who changed the fate of Uttar Pradesh

Samajvadi Party's tallest leader, Mulayam Singh Yadav, died after a long battle with illness just the way he fought his long-drawn political battles. The eighty-two-year-old Mulayam Singh Yadav was greatly respected and mass leader of the biggest state in India. His motto was to get power to do service to the people. He became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh three times and whenever he was in power, he undertook many measures for the common man. He also faced severe criticisms and blames for doing that.

The main agenda in Mulayam’s politics was the development and welfare of the backward sections and the those in the extreme backward communities. He strived to outperform the Mandal Commission suggestions and gave higher reservations for the backward communities. The role of Mulayam Singh Yadav is crucial in wiping out decades old Congress rule.

His political acumen was also crucial in defeating the BJP after it got power on the strength on Ram Janmabhoomi movement. His tactics were visible in bringing down the clout that the Congress had over UP.

Mulayam Singh Yadav learned the lessons of socialism from Ram Manohar Lohia. He completed his post-graduation and was working as a teacher when he turned to politics at the age of twenty-eight. His political life lasted around half-a-century, during which he paved way for many changes both in UP politics and national politics.

Though, Mulayam Singh Yadav became Chief Minister three times, he was never able to complete the five-year tenure. The post of Chief Minister was handed to him when UP was undergoing a time of deep polarization. Even though he was only able to sit at the Chief Minister’s chair for a total of seven years, he was able to bring out many administrative measures that were advantageous for the common man. He also served as the Defense Minister in the first UPA government.

Since the time of Samajwadi Party’s inception in 1992, Mulayam Singh Yadav was the unquestioned leader of the party. His position remained intact till a few years back. However, when the number of his family members entering the party increased, it naturally led to power struggles and vendetta. The party even edged to the brink of a split. In his last days, Mulayam Singh Yadav kept out of the party administration after being disappointed in the power struggles.

Mulayam Singh Yadav’s greatest dream was the position of Prime Minister. However, he was unable to achieve it. Elections were mere steps on his way to success. He was elected to the UP Legislative Assembly ten times and to the Lok Sabha seven times. The symbol of his party was the common man’s vehicle – the bicycle. When his son Akhilesh Yadav became his successor, this symbol helped in attracting the people.

Akhilesh Yadav’s term as Chief Minister is considered as good times in UP. However, the party failed to sustain it. Making Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador of the state and his close relations with celebrities shows his individuality.

Mulayam Singh’s ability to be considered as a leader by both the Yadav community and the Muslim community used to surprise political commentators. His demise is a loss not only for UP but for the nation also.