Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, died at the age of 38 in Lucknow on Wednesday morning, according to hospital and police sources.

Prateek Yadav was the husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and the half-brother of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

According to reports, family members rushed Prateek Yadav to Lucknow Civil Hospital at around 6:15 am after his condition deteriorated at home. Doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

Initial reports said he had been suffering from lung-related health complications and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Some local reports also mentioned that hospital authorities treated the case as suspicious pending medical examination, though officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death publicly.

Prateek Yadav largely stayed away from active politics despite belonging to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential political families. He was known as a real estate businessman and fitness enthusiast, and had completed his MBA from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

Soon after the news emerged, Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over his half-brother’s death in a social media post, calling it “deeply saddening”. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the death and extended sympathies to the family.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to face a crucial trust vote in the Assembly on Wednesday, even as a growing rebellion within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has turned the political spotlight on party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS.

The trust vote comes days after Vijay took oath as chief minister following the Assembly election, where his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party but remained short of the majority mark in the 234-member House.

TVK currently holds 107 seats after Vijay vacated one of the constituencies he had won. The party has secured support from the Congress and outside backing from allies including CPI, CPI(M), IUML and VCK, bringing it close to the required majority figure of 118.

Political uncertainty continues over the participation of MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi, whose eligibility to vote remains under judicial review. The matter has reached the Supreme Court after proceedings in the Madras High Court. Despite the legal challenge, the Vijay-led government is expected to survive the floor test with support from allies and independent backing.

Rebel AIADMK camp raises pressure on EPS

The biggest challenge emerging ahead of the confidence motion is within the AIADMK itself. A faction of nearly 30 AIADMK MLAs, led by senior leaders SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, has reportedly extended support to Vijay during the trust vote.

The development has intensified internal tensions in the opposition party following its poor performance in the Assembly election, where the AIADMK secured only 47 seats.

Several leaders within the party are said to be questioning EPS’s leadership and strategy after the electoral setback. The rebel support for Vijay has further fuelled speculation over a possible split or leadership challenge inside the AIADMK.

Trust vote seen as key political test

Political observers view the floor test as more than just a numbers game for the new government. The outcome is also being seen as a crucial moment for the future of the AIADMK and the authority of EPS within the party.

Ahead of the vote, Vijay held meetings with alliance leaders as well as members of the rebel AIADMK faction, signalling attempts to consolidate support and ensure stability for the newly formed government.

The Assembly proceedings are expected to be closely watched as both the TVK government and the AIADMK leadership face a defining political moment in Tamil Nadu politics.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed astrologer and TVK spokesperson Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, a move that has sparked criticism from allies and opposition leaders.

Radhan Pandit, who had publicly predicted a major electoral victory for Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has been considered a close aide of the Chief Minister during the party’s election campaign.

The appointment drew sharp reactions from leaders within the Congress and Left parties. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the decision in a post on X, asking why an astrologer required an OSD position in government.

Leaders from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and CPI(M) also criticised the move, arguing that such appointments go against the principles of scientific temper and secular governance.

According to reports, Radhan Pandit was among the first people to visit Vijay’s residence after TVK’s strong performance in the assembly elections. He has also been associated with the party as a spokesperson and political commentator.

The controversy comes amid rapid political developments in Tamil Nadu following the formation of the new TVK-led government.