DMK President MK Stalin expressed his condolences on the death of Prateek Yadav, the stepbrother of Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and extended support to Akhilesh and his family during their grief.

Stalin referred to Akhilesh Yadav as “beloved brother” and wished them strength to endure the loss. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru. Prateek Yadav, brother of Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav. 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,” Stalin said. “We will always be with you during such difficult times,” he added.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav visited Lucknow Civil Hospital where the mortal remains of Prateek Yadav were kept. Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said, “I have known him since childhood. He is no longer amongst us; it is a matter of great sorrow. Right from his childhood, he was very conscious of his health, his physical well-being, and he aspired to move forward in life and make a meaningful contribution.”

Akhilesh Yadav said he had met his stepbrother two months earlier, advising him to prioritise his health and expand his business. He added, “We will proceed in accordance with the law, whatever legal provisions dictate, and whatever the family members request, we will abide by that. I met him approximately two months ago. Even at that time, I had advised him to take care of his health and to focus on expanding his business. Sometimes losses incurred in business can cause people to become deeply distressed. He is no longer with us; we will pursue whatever legal avenues are available to us.”

Prateek Yadav was the son of Sadhna Gupta, second wife of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. Although part of Uttar Pradesh’s prominent political family, Prateek Yadav primarily focused on business and fitness ventures in Lucknow and largely stayed away from politics.