Mulayam Singh Yadav helped in strengthening bond among different faiths: Religious heads

LUCKNOW: Paying rich tributes, city-based religious leaders recalled Mulayam Singh Yadav’s role in strengthening the bond between members of different communities especially during the times he led the state as chief minister.
Sharing one such incident, Rajendra Singh Bagga, president of Lucknow Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee said, “Yadav always prioritized the feelings of the masses.Back in 2004 when we were celebrating 400th Prakash Purab of Guru Granth Sahib with an awareness rally being welcomed in the city from Amritsar Sahib, I along with other members of Sikh communities, requested him for a one day holiday to celebrate the occasion. Netaji who was the chief minister then agreed by waving his hand in agreement during a programme.”
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli recalled Yadav’s contributions to the state and the country as a CM and as defence minister. “He always respected Muslim scholars. He had massive contributions in the development of the state and protection of our country from foreign forces throughout his life. A socialist leader like him will be remembered by us forever. His passing away has been a big loss for the nation,” he said.
“Yadav has moulded the idea of socialism in the contemporary times which will always show the path to Indian society and politics in working towards attainment of social equality. My profound condolences are with his family,” said Chaudhary Kaifulvara Ansari, chairperson, UP Urdu Akademi.
Meanwhile, UP Secondary Teachers Association also paid tributes to SP patriarch. Union’s state president and teacher MLC Suresh Kumar Tripathi said, “We have lost a true well-wisher of teachers.”
Tripathi said, “Netaji made provision of pension to retired teachers of aided secondary schools. He also extended the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 62 years.”
Maulindu Mishra, a physics teacher at Lucknow Christian College recalled Yadav’s visit to the college in 2004 as a CM. “I had the opportunity to welcome him as a president of LU Associated College Teachers Association,” Mishra said.