Azam Khan has been a veteran leader of Samajwadi Party. At one time he had great influence on the Muslim votes of UP. In the SP government formed in 2012, his influence was said to be bigger than Akhilesh Yadav (then CM). But, now the politics of Azam Khan, who was badly trapped in allegations of property grabbing, fraud and corruption, has also become entangled. After about two years, he has got bail, but whether his politics will also get a breath, there is a serious question on it. The news came that after 12 days, he will meet Akhilesh Yadav on 8 October. But, it is interesting that Mayawati’s rally is going to be held on 9 October the next day. On whose side Azam Khan is being told the latest inclination. Come, let’s understand that the politics that is going on around Azam Khan will sit. How many needs are the Samajwadi Party’s need for Azam Khan now?
Akhilesh Yadav will fly from Amausi Airport to Bareilly at 10 am on the morning of 8 October. After that they will reach Rampur directly by road. Here he has a meeting with Azam Khan for about an hour. Akhilesh will meet Azam Khan, who was released from jail on 22 September, after 16 days. Questions are being asked, why is Akhilesh taking so much time to meet Azam Khan, one of the top leaders of SP, at one time?
There is a discussion that Akhilesh Yadav has chosen the day of October 8 to meet Azam because the next day of the same day on 9 October, the BSP rally is going to be held on Kanshi Ram’s death anniversary. The news came that Azam Khan’s wife has met Mayawati. In such a situation, Alikhesh is meeting him on the occasion to nurate to any inclination towards Azam Khan’s BSP. Because, Alikhesh would never want Mayawati and Azam Khan, who are splashing to maintain their political existence. Azam stays in SP, like that.
Akhilesh Yadav’s indifference to Azam Khan is not new for those who are interested in UP politics. Azam Khan has also indicated in this satirical tone many times. However, it is also true that when he was asked about the BSP, he said that ‘I can be stupid but not so big.’
Azam Khan is standing on the margins of Samajwadi Party, and in UP politics, BSP also has the same condition as Azam. But, Bhima Army and AIMIM, who are looking for land in this biggest state of the country, are seen in Azam Khan. But the question is the same that Azam, who is considered invincible in Rampur and Moradabad, has now weakened. Many cases, health problems, their catch in the area have been hurt by their credibility. Whose and how much will they work?
Jail sentence and ineligible to contest elections in many criminal cases
More than 100 criminal cases have been filed against Azam Khan. In 2023, he was sentenced to seven years in a fake birth certificate case, and in 2024, in Dungarpur Colony of Rampur, he was sentenced to ten years forcibly vacating the house. These punishment disqualified him from contesting elections for six years under the Representation of People Act 1951.
Obviously, he will be in danger of going to jail all the time. The court cannot expect a lot of rhetoric in politics from the court and a person released on bail. So far, he has been punished in a total of 10 cases. Right now, it will continue to come to court for dozens of cases. In such a situation, expecting them to do something positive for a political party, is an illusion.
Samajwadi Party strong even without Azam
In 2022, in the Rampur Lok Sabha by -election, the SP of the SP lost the election and Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of the BJP snatched the seat from Azam’s claw. Samajwadi Party gave tickets to Mohibbulah, who has been opposed to Azam Khan in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also won the seat. Meaning the Samajwadi Party showed that Rampur seat which is also the domestic seat of Azam Khan, can be won without his help. A handle on X writes that Azam’s release will create political stir, but his punishment has weakened him in his house Rampur.
After the death of Mulayam Singh Yadav (2022), Akhilesh Yadav has a unanimous rule in SP. Akhilesh has ended the role of Muslim leaders by adopting PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) formula. Akhilesh Yadav himself has emerged as the biggest leader of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. In 2024 Lok Sabha, SP won 37 seats in UP.
Even after Azam’s absence, the Samajwadi Party won in Rampur and Moradabad. However, Ruchivira got a ticket on Azam Khan’s recommendation in Moradabad. Nevertheless, Akhilesh Yadav has become so strong in the MuSlim community today that he does not need any Azam Khan. However, Akhilesh Yadav does not even want to play with the spirit of his Muslim supporters by ignoring leaders like Azam Khan. This is the reason that Akhilesh Yadav’s uncle Shivpal Yadav arrived to lead Azam Khan. Now Akhilesh himself is also going to Rampur to meet Azam on 8 October.
Muslim votes are united in favor of anti -BJP parties like SP and Congress
With the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party, due to the politics of Yogi Adityanath’s hardcore Hindutva in Uttar Pradesh, the vote of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh is no longer the legacy of any leader. Even the trust of Muslims has reduced from Asaduddin Owaisi’s party. Muslims want to vote for him who can beat the BJP. It is obvious that the trend of Muslim voters in Indian politics for the Uttar Pradesh (UP) assembly elections of 2027 will also be similar.
Therefore, if leaders like Azam Khan do not think according to Muslim voters, then they will also have to eat their mouths. It is clear that if Azam Khan is with the party that defeats BJP, then Muslims will stay with them, otherwise they are not going to get support. This polarization of Muslim voters has been clearly seen in the last few elections.
Muslim voters are now leaving ‘vote cut’ parties, their trust in BJP’s hardcore opponents like SP-Congress is increasing. In Bihar, Muslim vote (40-50%) in Seemanchal (Kishanganj, Katihar) used to be divided towards AIMIM earlier, but in 2024, Owaisi’s defeat showed that Muslim voters are no longer going to fall under the pretense of Muslim leaders.
Political activism hindered health problems
Long jail migration caused serious harm to the health of Azam Khan (77 years). Heart disease, kidney infection and increasing age problems have weakened them. After the release, on 23 September 2025, doctors advised him to comfort, so that they cannot be active in rallies, public meetings or publicity. Earlier Azam’s ‘firebrand’ speech style connected Muslim and Yadav voters.
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