UP NEWS
National News: Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former UP minister Azam Khan has been released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years. His bail in multiple cases finally cleared the way. His supporters prepared grand welcomes across Rampur, while his family rushed to be by his side. Yet, political circles now wonder if Azam will continue with SP or chart his own course. His release has again brought his stormy political journey back in headlines.
Azam Khan’s legal troubles are vast. He faces more than 100 cases, 93 of them in Rampur alone. Most were registered after the BJP came to power in 2017. Many are linked to the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, which he founded. Charges range from land grabbing and illegal construction to using fake documents. Though he secured bail in 72 cases, delays in paperwork kept him behind bars until now.
The most serious charges concern land deals. Farmers allege Azam forcefully took their land for Jauhar University. He was also accused of illegally occupying government “enemy property.” In another case, he allegedly destroyed houses built for the poor to expand his projects. These land disputes remain central to his legal troubles and continue to stain his political image.
One of the most controversial cases involved his son Abdullah Azam. Authorities accused Azam’s family of making two different birth certificates for Abdullah, helping him contest elections illegally. A court found them guilty, leading to Abdullah’s disqualification as MLA. This case became a symbol of how political families sometimes misuse the system. It also deepened Azam’s troubles in court.
Azam Khan has long been known for his fiery speeches. In 2019, he delivered a hate-filled address against Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In 2022, a special court convicted him under hate speech laws. He lost his Assembly seat soon after. This was a major setback, as Rampur, his stronghold, fell to BJP’s Akash Saxena in a by-election. Analysts say this marked the beginning of Azam’s political decline.
Beyond big allegations, some cases against Azam Khan appear bizarre. He was accused of stealing a buffalo, a goat, and even tampering with government records. While critics call these charges politically motivated, they added to his humiliation. His empire of influence that once stretched across Rampur started breaking apart. With every new case, his grip on politics weakened.
Azam Khan’s release may shift political equations in UP. He remains a powerful Muslim leader with loyal supporters. His return could strengthen SP in western UP, especially among Muslim voters. But rumors suggest he may leave SP, opening the door for BSP or others to woo him. With 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon, his moves will be closely watched. Will he revive his career or fade under the weight of legal battles?
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