Akhilesh Yadav (Born: July 1, 1973, Saifai, Uttar Pradesh) is one of India’s most prominent contemporary politicians, currently serving as the National President of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Kannauj constituency. Known for his modern, development-focused approach, he holds the distinction of being the youngest Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, taking office in 2012 at the age of 38. His career marks the transition of the Samajwadi Party from a traditional, socialist movement into a party balancing its core base with a forward-looking, technological agenda.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| CATEGORY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Akhilesh Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 1 July 1973 |
| Age (As of 2025) | 52 Years |
| Birthplace | Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Marital Status | Married |
Family Details
| RELATION | NAME |
|---|---|
| Father | Mulayam Singh Yadav (Former Chief Minister & SP Founder) |
| Mother | Malti Devi |
| Step-Mother | Sadhana Gupta (Late) |
| Wife | Dimple Yadav (Politician, Former MP) |
| Children | Two Daughters & One Son |
| Brother(s) | Prateek Yadav |
| Uncle | Shivpal Singh Yadav (Politician) |
Political Profile
| CATEGORY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Political Party | Samajwadi Party (SP) |
| Position | Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2012–2017) |
| Current Role | National President, Samajwadi Party |
| Constituency | Mainpuri (earlier: Kannauj, Azamgarh) |
| Profession | Politician |
| Education Qualification | B.E. (Civil Engineering), M.Sc. (Environmental Engineering), University of Sydney |
Physical Statistics
| CATEGORY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’7” (Approx.) |
| Weight | 70–72 kg (Approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Body Type | Average |
| Personality | Calm, strategic, youthful leader |
Political Career Timeline
| YEAR | EVENT / POSITION |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Entered active politics under guidance of Mulayam Singh Yadav |
| 2000–2012 | Served as MP from Kannauj (three consecutive terms) |
| 2012 | Became the Youngest Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh at age 38 |
| 2012–2017 | Served full tenure as CM; launched Metro, Expressway projects |
| 2017 | Led SP in state elections |
| 2019 | Elected MP from Azamgarh |
| 2022 | Contested as Chief Minister candidate of SP |
| 2023 | Won Mainpuri Lok Sabha by-election |
| 2025 | Serving as National President of Samajwadi Party, key opposition leader |
Interests & Lifestyle
| CATEGORY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Hobbies | Cycling, traveling, reading, technology |
| Food Preference | Vegetarian; prefers simple Indian food |
| Favourite Leader | Mulayam Singh Yadav |
| Favourite Place | Saifai & Lucknow |
| Personality Traits | Modern thinker, tech-oriented, soft-spoken |
Key Highlights
| POINT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Known For | Youngest CM of Uttar Pradesh, modern development projects |
| Reputation | Progressive, youth-friendly, development-focused leader |
| Leadership Style | Strategic, calm, tech-savvy |
| Achievements | Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Lucknow Metro, Laptop Scheme, Police reforms |
Early Life, Education, and Family Background
Akhilesh Yadav was born into one of India’s most influential political families.
Political Lineage and Upbringing
- Father: He is the son of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party, three-time Chief Minister of UP, and former Union Defence Minister.
- Mother: His mother was Malti Devi. His paternal grandparents primarily raised him due to his mother’s health and his father’s constant political engagement.
- Birthplace: Saifai, Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Educational Foundation
Akhilesh Yadav’s academic background is unique for an Indian politician of his generation, emphasising technical education:
- Schooling: He received his early education in local schools and then attended the prestigious Dholpur Military School in Rajasthan.
- Engineering Degrees: He completed his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Environmental Engineering from the University of Mysore, Karnataka.
- Post-Graduate Studies: He obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia. This international exposure is often credited with shaping his later policy focus on infrastructure and technology.
Personal Life
Akhilesh Yadav is married to Dimple Yadav (m. 1999), a politician in her own right who is also a sitting Member of Parliament (MP). The couple has three children: daughters Aditi and Tina, and son Arjun.
Political Ascendancy and Key Milestones
Yadav’s political journey began in the shadow of his father but quickly evolved into a distinct, youth-driven force within the Samajwadi Party.
Entry into Parliament (2000-2012)
- 2000: He made his electoral debut by winning a Lok Sabha by-election from his traditional stronghold, the Kannauj constituency.
- 2004 & 2009: He was successfully re-elected as MP from Kannauj in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha elections, establishing his presence on the national stage.
- Party Leadership: Prior to the 2012 state elections, he was appointed as the Uttar Pradesh state president of the Samajwadi Party, where he began introducing a modern, image-conscious, and youth-focused campaign strategy.
The Youngest Chief Minister (2012-2017)
The 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections proved to be a watershed moment for the SP and Akhilesh Yadav.
- Victory: He led the Samajwadi Party to a decisive victory, securing a clear majority in the Assembly.
- Historic Appointment: On March 15, 2012, at the age of 38, he was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the office.
Consolidation of Power (2017-Present)
- SP President: After internal family conflicts and the party’s subsequent defeat in the 2017 assembly elections, Akhilesh consolidated his position, taking over the mantle of National President of the Samajwadi Party from his father.
- Leader of the Opposition: In the 2022 UP Assembly Elections, he won the Karhal seat and served as the Leader of the Opposition until 2024.
- 2024 Lok Sabha Success: He was again elected as an MP in the 18th Lok Sabha from Kannauj, resigning his Karhal Assembly seat to retain his parliamentary role and lead the party’s efforts at the national level.
Achievements as Chief Minister (2012-2017)
Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister is widely remembered for a massive push on modern infrastructure development and social welfare schemes. These projects redefined the face of urban and rural UP.
Political Philosophy and Legacy
Akhilesh Yadav represents a fusion of the Samajwadi Party’s traditional socialist ideology, championed by his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and Ram Manohar Lohia, with a new focus on digital empowerment and urban modernisation.
- Youth Appeal: His image as an educated, foreign-schooled, and tech-savvy leader resonated strongly with the youth voter base.
- Development Politics: His commitment to large-scale infrastructure projects earned him a reputation as a leader focused on development and governance, often contrasting him with the perception of traditional regional politics.
- Social Justice: He has maintained the SP’s core political strategy of championing the rights of Other Backwards Classes (OBCs), farmers, and minority communities, balancing this traditional base with his modern developmental vision.
Akhilesh Yadav continues to be the central pillar of the Samajwadi Party and a pivotal figure in the national political landscape, constantly challenging the ruling government and steering his party into the complexities of 21st-century Indian politics.
FAQs About Akhilesh Yadav
1. Who is Akhilesh Yadav?
Akhilesh Yadav is an Indian politician and the President of the Samajwadi Party (SP). He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017.
2. What is the age of Akhilesh Yadav?
As of 2025, Akhilesh Yadav is 52 years old (born on 1 July 1973).
3. Which political party does he belong to?
He is the National President of the Samajwadi Party (SP).
4. Who is Akhilesh Yadav’s father?
His father is Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party and former Defence Minister of India.
5. Who is Akhilesh Yadav’s wife?
Akhilesh Yadav’s wife is Dimple Yadav, who is also a politician.
6. What is Akhilesh Yadav known for?
He is known for being the youngest Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, modernizing infrastructure, promoting metro projects, and running strong political campaigns.
7. Which constituency does Akhilesh Yadav represent?
He has represented Kannauj and Azamgarh, and currently represents Mainpuri (depending on the year’s election).
8. What is his educational qualification?
Akhilesh Yadav holds degrees in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, including a master’s degree from University of Sydney, Australia.
9. Does Akhilesh Yadav have children?
Yes, he has three children — two daughters and one son.
10. What are some major achievements of Akhilesh Yadav?
His notable achievements include launching the Agra–Lucknow Expressway, Lucknow Metro Project, distributing laptops to students, and upgrading major infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.
