Mulayam Singh Yadav, Indian politician, 24th Indian Minister of Defence

Mulayam Singh Yadav (born 22 November 1939) is an Indian politician and the founder-patron of the Samajwadi Party. He served for three non-consecutive terms as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and also served as the Minister of Defence, Government of India. A long-time parliamentarian, he is currently the Member of Parliament, representing the constituency of Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha, and has also earlier served as the Member of Parliament from Azamgarh and Sambhal constituencies. He is often referred to as Netaji (meaning respected leader in Hindi) by party leaders and workers.