Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav died today following prolonged illness. He was 82. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the veteran politician's death and said that he was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency. "Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji distinguished himself in UP and national politics. He was a key soldier for democracy during the Emergency. As Defence Minister, he worked for a stronger India. His Parliamentary interventions were insightful and emphasised on furthering national interest," he tweeted.