New Deli/IBNS: Former Union Minister and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav died on Thursday evening. He was 75.

The politician was unwell for a long time and was admitted to the Fortis hospital in Gurgaon, near Delhi.

A founding member of Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U), he quit after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ended the Grand Alliance and joined hands with the BJP.

In 2018, he launched his own party, the Loktantrik Janata Dal, but merged it with Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal two years later stating that it was the "first step towards a united opposition".

He was elected to Lok Sabha seven times and to Rajya Sabha thrice from JD(U).

He was the first national president of Janata Dal (United) from its formation in 2003 till the year 2016.

He was disqualified from Rajya Sabha and removed from party leadership positions for engaging in anti-party activities.

Condoling Yadav's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Pained by the passing away of Shri Sharad Yadav Ji. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as MP and Minister. He was greatly inspired by Dr. Lohia’s ideals. I will always cherish our interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

"I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Mandal Messiah, senior leader of RJD, great socialist leader and my guardian respected Sharad Yadav ji. I am unable to say anything. Had a conversation with mother and brother Shantanu. In this hour of grief, the entire Samajwadi family is with the family members," tweeted Tejashwi Yadav.