Is Azam Khan the Heartbeat of the Samajwadi Party?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Akhilesh Yadav views Azam Khan as crucial for SP unity.
- The meeting aims to strengthen ties ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Azam Khan's resilience is highlighted amidst false accusations.
- Political analysts see potential consolidation of Muslim votes.
- Security was heightened during Akhilesh's visit to Rampur.
Rampur (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 8 (NationPress) - On Wednesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav visited the residence of senior party leader Azam Khan in Rampur, referring to him as “the heartbeat of the party.” This meeting marks a renewed initiative to fortify unity within the SP in preparation for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
This was Akhilesh’s first encounter with Azam Khan following the veteran leader’s release from incarceration after nearly 23 months.
Taking place at Khan’s home within the Jauhar University campus in Rampur, the meeting has ignited speculation regarding the former minister’s potential discontent with the SP leadership.
In a statement to reporters after their discussion, Akhilesh Yadav remarked, “Azam Khan is the heartbeat of the party. He has been wrongfully accused in numerous cases. The BJP has launched so many legal actions against him and his family that their names could easily fit in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
He went on to express that under the existing BJP administration, the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak) communities feel both humiliated and marginalized.
“Azam Khan stands as a senior leader, akin to a robust tree that remains steadfast despite fierce storms. He and his family have endured the most false accusations among political families and rightfully deserve justice,” Akhilesh stated. He further affirmed that the Samajwadi Party is poised to regain power in 2027 while continuing to advocate for the PDA communities.
When questioned about any disillusionment with the Samajwadi Party, Azam Khan responded, “Where did you get this information?”
Security measures were significantly heightened in Rampur during Akhilesh’s visit, with police personnel positioned around Jauhar University and Azam Khan’s residence, restricting media access.
Nevertheless, SP supporters gathered en masse, chanting slogans in favor of both leaders.
Political analysts perceive this meeting as a tactical maneuver to consolidate the Muslim vote in western Uttar Pradesh, especially in Rampur, Moradabad, and Amroha, where Azam Khan holds substantial influence.
As a founding member of the SP and a close ally of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, Azam Khan has spent nearly two years imprisoned on various charges. His return to active political life and reconciliation with Akhilesh Yadav is viewed as a powerful symbol of unity and resurgence within the party.