Thousands attend Prateek Yadav’s final journey; Father-in-law performs last rites in Lucknow

Thousands of supporters joined the final journey of Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder late Mulayam Singh Yadav, as his last rites were performed in Lucknow today.

The funeral rites were conducted at Baikunth Dham crematorium, where Prateek’s father-in-law Arvind Bisht lit the funeral pyre under the supervision of priest Mahendra Sharma.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, senior leader Shivpal Singh Yadav, and Prateek Yadav’s two daughters—Prathama and Padmaja—participated in the rituals by placing wood on the pyre as part of the traditional customs. Several family members, including Akhilesh Yadav’s son Arjun, were also present at the cremation ground.

Earlier, the final journey began from Prateek’s residence amid chants of “Prateek Yadav amar rahe,” with thousands of supporters gathering to pay their respects. His mortal remains were taken to the crematorium located around five kilometres away.

During the procession, Aditya Yadav, son of Shivpal Singh Yadav, shouldered the bier. The body was briefly kept at the Samajwadi Party office near his residence before proceeding to the cremation ground as part of traditional rituals.

Prateek Yadav’s wife, Aparna Bisht Yadav, placed personal photographs of him with his pets on the hearse vehicle, reflecting his known affection for animals. Aparna, along with their two daughters, accompanied the procession.

Several senior political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, paid floral tributes. SP leaders Shivpal Singh Yadav and Dimple Yadav also visited to offer their condolences.

Prateek Yadav, aged 38, passed away on Wednesday due to cardiac and pulmonary complications, including pulmonary embolism.