Akhilesh Yadav's stepbrother Prateek Yadav passes away at 38

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, passed away in Lucknow on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2026. The 38-year-old was rushed to the Lucknow Civil Hospital around 6:00 AM after his health suddenly deteriorated. Medical officials stated that he was in critical condition upon arrival and was declared brought dead by 5:55 AM despite efforts by the medical team. His body has since been moved to the KGMU mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

A Leeds University alumnus, Prateek was a prominent businessman and fitness enthusiast in Lucknow, where he operated a well-known gym, "The Fitness Planet". Unlike other members of his influential political family, he largely refrained from active politics, focusing instead on real estate and animal welfare through his NGO, "Jeev Ashray". He was the son of Sadhana Gupta, the second wife of Mulayam Singh Yadav.  

The death has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh's political circles. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief, describing the news as "extremely heartbreaking" and extending his deepest condolences to Prateek’s wife, Aparna Yadav, who currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the UP State Women's Commission. The Samajwadi Party also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), mourning the "deeply saddening" loss and praying for the departed soul.