The passing of Sharad Yadav, a renowned socialist leader and former Union Minister from Bihar, was announced on Thursday evening. He had been battling a prolonged illness before his passing at the age of 75. His daughter, Subhashini Yadav, confirmed the news on social media, expressing her loss with the words "Papa Ab Nahi Rahe." Sharad Yadav had been receiving treatment at Fortis Hospital in Gurugram prior to his death. Throughout his career, Sharad Yadav was highly respected for his political acumen and was considered a master strategist in the state of Bihar. He had a close working relationship with Lalu Prasad Yadav, and provided him with valuable political guidance during his tenure as Chief Minister and Union Minister. His tenure in the Rajya Sabha came to an end in June 2022, after which he moved out of his bungalow on 7 Tughlak Road and went to live with his daughter in the Chattarpur area of South Delhi. At the time of his passing, Sharad Yadav was affiliated with the RJD party and believed that Tejashwi Yadav would be the future leader of the party and the state of Bihar. Throughout his political career, Sharad Yadav held many important positions, including key portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government between 1999 and 2004. He also served as the national president of the JD-U party. Sharad Yadav was elected to the Lok Sabha seven times, representing Madhepura district in Bihar on four occasions, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh twice, and Badaun in Uttar Pradesh once. He was the first MP to be elected from three different states. His political beliefs were heavily influenced by Jay Prakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia and he was also imprisoned during the Emergency period in the country.
