Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has touched the hearts of many with a tender gesture toward his niece during the funeral of his nephew, Prateek Yadav, in Saifai. The funeral, held on May 14, 2026, was a somber affair as the family gathered to bid farewell to Prateek, the son of Akhilesh's younger brother, Prateek Yadav. Amid the grief, Akhilesh was seen consoling his niece and holding her hand, a moment that was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media.
The Emotional Funeral Procession
The funeral took place in the family's native village of Saifai in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah district. Prateek Yadav, who was in his late twenties, had been battling a prolonged illness. His untimely demise has left the Yadav family and the political fraternity in shock. As the body was brought for the last rites, a large number of party workers and local residents gathered to pay their respects. Akhilesh Yadav, along with his wife Dimple Yadav and other family members, were present throughout the ceremony.
Akhilesh's Heartwarming Moment
In the viral video, Akhilesh is seen walking beside his niece, who is visibly distraught. He gently holds her hand and speaks to her in a comforting tone, trying to soothe her. The video has been widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with users praising Akhilesh for his sensitivity and family values. One user commented, "This shows the true character of Akhilesh Yadav. Despite being a busy politician, he is a family man first." Another wrote, "Such gestures are rare in politics. Respect for Akhilesh ji."
Political Reactions and Condolences
Several political leaders expressed their condolences to the Yadav family. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Prateek Yadav. My thoughts are with the family in this hour of grief." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also offered his sympathies, saying, "The loss of a young life is always tragic. May the family find strength." Meanwhile, Akhilesh's father and Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is in frail health, was unable to attend the funeral but sent his blessings through a message.
Family Unity Amid Tragedy
The funeral also saw the presence of other prominent members of the Yadav family, including Akhilesh's brother and former MP, Dharmendra Yadav. The family unity displayed during the tragic event has been widely appreciated. Political analysts note that such moments often strengthen familial bonds and can have a positive impact on public perception. The Samajwadi Party, which has been navigating internal dynamics, may find this display of unity beneficial as it prepares for upcoming elections.
Prateek Yadav's Life and Legacy
Prateek Yadav, the son of Akhilesh's younger brother, was known to be a low-profile member of the family. He was not actively involved in politics but was often seen at family gatherings and events. His illness had been a matter of concern for the family, and despite efforts to seek the best medical treatment, he succumbed to his condition. His death has left a void in the family, but the outpour of support from the public has been a source of solace.
The funeral concluded with the last rites performed at the family crematorium in Saifai. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as family members paid their final respects. Akhilesh Yadav, known for his composed demeanor, was visibly moved as he bid goodbye to his nephew. The video of his comforting gesture will likely be remembered as a poignant moment in the midst of tragedy.
