Picture Credit: Deepak Gupta/HT
The last rites of Prateek Yadav were performed at Baikunth Dham in Bhaisakund, Lucknow, on Thursday, bringing together members of the politically divided Yadav family in shared sorrow.
His father-in-law, veteran journalist Arvind Bisht, lit the funeral pyre, visibly overcome with grief as he wiped his tears with a traditional gamcha before folding his hands in a final farewell to his son-in-law.
Prateek Yadav’s wife and BJP leader Aparna Yadav attended the cremation alongside their two daughters, Prathama and Padmaja.
In a deeply personal tribute, Aparna Yadav placed a photograph of Prateek with his pet dogs and monkey on the hearse. The gesture moved many people present among the large gathering.
Akhilesh Yadav arrived at the cremation ground to bid an emotional farewell to his younger brother. He placed logs on the pyre alongside cousins Dharmendra Yadav and Aditya Yadav.
In a rare show of unity, Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav were seen seated together at the cremation ground. Prateek’s daughters were also nearby. Akhilesh’s son Arjun Yadav was present with the family as well.
Earlier, Prateek Yadav’s funeral procession began from his residence. Thousands of supporters joined the procession. Slogans and chants paying tribute to his memory echoed throughout the area.
Leaders from both the Samajwadi Party and the BJP participated. Aditya Yadav helped shoulder the bier, while Prateek’s mortal remains were briefly kept outside the SP office before the procession commenced.
Following tradition, the body was placed on the ground five times en route to the cremation ground.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak attended the funeral. The previous night, he had also paid tributes at the residence. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Dimple Yadav, and Shivpal Yadav were also present.
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