Mulayam Singh Yadav, Politician
Politician

Mulayam Singh Yadav

Born 22 November 1939 · Uttar Pradesh — Died 10 October 2022

Founded the Samajwadi Party and served three terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Mulayam Singh Yadav was an Indian politician, schoolmaster, lecturer and a socialist figure and the founder of the Samajwadi Party. Over the course of his political career spanning more than six decades, he served for three terms as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and also as the Union Minister of Defence in the Government of India. A long-time parliamentarian, he was a seven-time Member of Parliament representing Mainpuri, Azamgarh, Sambhal and Kannauj constituencies in the Lok Sabha, a ten-time member of the Legislative Assembly, member of the Legislative Council and the Leader of Opposition several times as well. Yadav was often referred to as Netaji by his party leaders and workers.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Mulayam Singh Yadav was nicknamed 'Chhota Napoleon' by Charan Singh due to his strategic acumen despite his short stature.

The Story

1
In 1967, Mulayam Singh Yadav won his first election to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Jaswantnagar on a Samyukta Socialist Party ticket, marking the start of his six-decade-long political saga.
2
🌾 Born in Saifai village in 1939, Yadav was initially a schoolmaster at Jain Inter-College, Karhal before turning to politics, illustrating a transition from grassroots educator to political heavyweight.
3🚨 In 1975, during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Yadav was arrested and spent 19 months in detention, a period that deepened his resolve against authoritarianism.
4🏛️ He served three non-consecutive terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (1989–91, 1993–95, 2003–07), navigating the volatile politics of India’s most populous state amid rising caste and communal tensions.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1974, before his full-time political career, Yadav was promoted to lecturer after earning his master's degree, balancing academia and politics early on.

🖼️

Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
Mulayam Singh Yadav at MLA Madan Bhaiya's residence on his first marriage anniversary (1991)
Mulayam Singh Yadav at MLA Madan Bhaiya's residence on his first marriage anniversary (1991)
1991
Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav visiting Madan Bhaiya at his residence (1994)
Mulayam Singh Yadav at the 51st National Development Council meeting in New Delhi (2005)
Mulayam Singh Yadav with other Chief Ministers at National Integration Council meeting in New Delhi (2005)
Mulayam Singh Yadav with Prof Yunus Nadawi at a book release event (2024)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Saifai village, Uttar Pradesh
Mulayam Singh Yadav was born to Murti Devi and Sughar Singh Yadav in Saifai, Etawah district, then United Provinces under British rule.
1939
⚡
Career
Became schoolmaster at Jain Inter-College
Before politics, Yadav taught at Jain Inter-College in Karhal, Mainpuri, reflecting his academic grounding.
1963
⚡
Career
Elected MLA from Jaswantnagar
Yadav won his first Legislative Assembly seat with the Samyukta Socialist Party, launching his political career.
1967
⚡
Career
Imprisoned during the Emergency
He was detained for 19 months by the government under Indira Gandhi’s Emergency, a crucial political turning point.
1975
⚡
Career
First term as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Yadav assumed office as CM, amidst rising caste-based politics and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
1989
⚡
Career
Founded Samajwadi Party
Yadav established the Samajwadi Party to consolidate socialist and OBC political interests in Uttar Pradesh.
1992
⚡
Career
Appointed Union Defence Minister
He served as Defence Minister in the United Front coalition government, during a politically unstable period nationally.
1996
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Gurugram
Mulayam Singh Yadav died at age 82 after a prolonged illness, ending an era in UP politics.
2022
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During the Emergency (1975–77), Yadav was imprisoned for 19 months, a significant personal sacrifice that marked many socialist leaders’ careers.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Yadav represented four different Lok Sabha constituencies across seven terms, showcasing his adaptability and sustained grassroots support.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Despite being a towering political figure, Mulayam Singh was known for his modesty and was never a flamboyant speaker, contrasting with many contemporaries.

No quote recorded for Mulayam Singh Yadav yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Walk The Talk: Mulayam Singh Yadav (Aired: 2003)
·YouTube
More from this archive
Walk The Talk: Mulayam Singh Yadav (Aired: 2003)
01
Walk The Talk: Mulayam Singh Yadav (Aired: 2003)
YouTube
Mulayam Singh Yadav accorded with Padma Vibhushan award posthumously
02
Mulayam Singh Yadav accorded with Padma Vibhushan award posthumously
YouTube
Mulayam Singh Yadav at home: Indian politician, government official who founded Samajwadi Party
03
Mulayam Singh Yadav at home: Indian politician, government official who founded Samajwadi Party
YouTube
Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav on 26.02.1999.....
04
Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav on 26.02.1999.....
YouTube
Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav on 20.12.1999 - On Women Reservation Bill 1999
05
Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav on 20.12.1999 - On Women Reservation Bill 1999
YouTube
Mulayam Singh: U.P.’s Pehelwan Politician | Rare Interviews | Crux Files
06
Mulayam Singh: U.P.’s Pehelwan Politician | Rare Interviews | Crux Files
YouTube
Mulayam Singh Yadav Speech on China Incursion Into India: चीन के कारण नेहरू की जान चली गई थी...
07
Mulayam Singh Yadav Speech on China Incursion Into India: चीन के कारण नेहरू की जान चली गई थी...
YouTube
Aap Ki Adalat Archive : कटघरे में नेता जी | Mulayam Singh Yadav Interview | Samajwadi Party| LIVE TV
08
Aap Ki Adalat Archive : कटघरे में नेता जी | Mulayam Singh Yadav Interview | Samajwadi Party| LIVE TV
YouTube
BJP Ka Lakshya Sirf Satta Hai!’ — Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Explosive 90s Interview | Ek Din Ek Jeevan
09
BJP Ka Lakshya Sirf Satta Hai!’ — Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Explosive 90s Interview | Ek Din Ek Jeevan
YouTube
Walk The Talk: Mulayam Singh Yadav (Aired: 2003)
10
Walk The Talk: Mulayam Singh Yadav (Aired: 2003)
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Mulayam Singh Yadav’s rise coincided with the political empowerment of Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in Uttar Pradesh, significantly altering the state’s caste equations and political representation. His founding of the Samajwadi Party institutionalized socialist and secular politics focused on lower caste and minority rights, influencing policy shifts and electoral alliances. His tenure as Defence Minister during a coalition era also underscored his role in stabilizing fragmented national politics.

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