Late socialist leader Sharad Yadav.

Photo : PTI

India’s political leaders across party lines condoled the demise of Sharad Yadav, who rose on the anti-Congress plank of the 70s and remained a key opposition presence for decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he was pained by the passing away of the veteran politician and noted that during his long public life, he distinguished himself as an MP and a minister.

“Pained by the passing away of Shri Sharad Yadav Ji. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as MP and Minister. He was greatly inspired by Dr. Lohia’s ideals. I will always cherish our interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief in the passing of Yadav, who was “an outstanding Parliamentarian for decades.”

“I am saddened by the demise of Mr. Sharad Yadav, the senior leader of the socialist stream of the country, former JDU president. Serving the country as a former Union Minister and an outstanding Parliamentarian for decades, he strengthened the politics of equality. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters,” the Congress President tweeted.

“I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah…great socialist leader and my guardian respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am speechless,” he wrote on the microblogging site.

Tejashwi Yadav said he had a conversation with his family members. “In this hour of grief, the entire Samajwadi fraternity is with his family members,” he said.

Meanwhile, RJD president Lalu Prasad condoled Sharad Yadav’s demise and asserted that their mutual differences “never resulted in any type of bitterness”.

Lalu Prasad, who has engaged in electoral battles with Yadav in the Madhepura Lok Sabha seat, issued a video statement from his hospital bed in Singapore.

Referring to Sharad Yadav as “bade bhai” (big brother), Prasad recalled his old association with the deceased leader. “He, besides late Mulayam Singh Yadav, Nitish Kumar and myself learnt politics of socialism from Ram Manohar Lohia and Karpoori Thakur,” said the septuagenarian.

“On many an occasion, Sharad Yadav and I fought with each other. But our disagreements never led to any bitterness,” said the RJD supremo.

A condolence message was issued by former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi as well. The senior BJP leader recalled the key role played by Sharad Yadav, then the NDA convenor, in his appointment to the post when the JD(U)-BJP combine came to power in Bihar in 2005.

“Sharad Yadav was my political guardian. He played an important role in my appointment as Deputy CM. Bihar will never forget his contributions,” he tweeted.

Condoling the death of former Union minister Sharad Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said his legacy will leave on.

“I bear a heavy heart upon hearing about Shri Sharad Yadav’s demise. A stalwart politician and an immensely respected colleague, his legacy shall live on. I pray that his family and followers find solace and strength in this hour of grief,” the TMC chief said.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that he learnt a lot from the late leader.

“Sharad Yadav ji was a person of humble nature along with being the leader of socialism. I learned a lot from him. I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family members. His contribution to the country will always be remembered,” the Wayanad MP wrote.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury remembered Yadav as a leader who “stood for the basic values of the country.”

“I was very shocked by the sudden departure of Sharad Yadav ji. He stood for the basic values of the country till his last moment: common heritage and social justice – these were the campaigns very close to Sharad ji’s heart. He was our friend and colleague for a long time. Heartfelt condolences to the family and all loved ones,” the Left leader wrote.