What’s cooking? Akhilesh Yadav to meet Azam Khan in Rampur amid rumors of BSP switch

Akhilesh Yadav to meet Azam Khan in Rampur: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav is all set to meet senior party leader Mohammad Azam Khan today at the latter’s residence in Rampur district. Notably, this is the first meeting between the two leaders after Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail after spending nearly 23 months, on September 22.

According to the reports of the PTI, Akhilesh Yadav will fly from Lucknow to Bareilly and then head further by car to Khan’s house.

Azam Khan's condition ahead of meeting with Akhilesh Yadav

Azam Khan, ahead of his meeting with Akhilesh Yadav, categorically mentioned that he would meet only Akhilesh Yadav. Meanwhile, later when he was asked about meeting with Rampur MP Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, to which Khan said he did not know him. He stated, "There is no programme. Akhilesh Yadav will meet me, and I will meet only him."

Azam Khan's statement on reports of switching sides

It is said that the meeting between Azam Khan and Akhilesh Yadav is being held amid rumors that the former Rampur MP might join the Mayawati led BSP. However, Khan denied all such claims and stated that he will stay with the Samajwadi Party. In his statement, he said, "We have something called character. Character does not mean whether we hold a post or not; it means people love and respect us. And we are not for sale, we have proved that."

What Akhilesh Yadav said on Azam Khan's release from jail?

Earlier, when Azam Khan was released from jail, Akhilesh Yadav thanked the court and said, "...SP leader Azam Khan has been released from jail. I would like to thank the Court for this. We, the Samajwadis, believed that the Court would do justice. We hope that in the time to come, no false cases will be filed and no injustice will be done by the BJP; an officer was given extension after extension. This is a matter of joy for the Samajwadis that he has been released."

What Shivpal Yadav said on Azam Khan's release from jail?

Meanwhile, party MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav sharing his reaction on Azam Khan's release from jail. He said, "Azam Khan was framed by the government in false cases. However, the court has granted him bail and has provided relief to him in cases. I welcome this decision. I welcome the Supreme Court and the High Court. Many false cases were filed against him. The Samajwadi Party stands beside him."