Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Sunday, 1 November 2026, squarely blamed Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for the arrest of senior SP leader Azam Khan by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), saying the cases against Khan were rooted in alleged financial irregularities during the previous SP government. Rajbhar made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Ambedkar Nagar, also addressing the alleged religious conversion case at King George's Medical University (KGMU) and remarks by SP leader S.T. Hasan on the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Rajbhar's Charge Against Akhilesh Yadav

Rajbhar alleged that the ED's action against Azam Khan stemmed from decisions made when Akhilesh Yadav was Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He pointed specifically to Jauhar University, arguing that the SP government had failed to register government land in the institution's name and had not maintained proper accounts for construction expenditure.

'Akhilesh Yadav was the Chief Minister at the time and should have had the land registered in the name of the educational institution. The action is being taken on the orders of the High Court. The High Court has ordered the demolition of buildings constructed on government properties. How is the government responsible for this?' Rajbhar said.

He further alleged that those who 'engaged in looting during their time in power, including Akhilesh Yadav and his associates, will be caught,' adding that the current BJP-led government should not bear the blame for the legal consequences.

Why Is Akhilesh Still Free, Rajbhar Asks

Responding to Akhilesh Yadav's allegations over Azam Khan's arrest, Rajbhar drew a pointed comparison between the SP chief and two other leaders facing legal action — Azam Khan and former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati, both of whom are currently in jail.

'Azam Khan and Gayatri Prajapati are in jail in connection with the same case. Why, then, is Akhilesh Yadav still outside?' he said. Rajbhar also alleged, without elaborating, that Akhilesh's continued liberty was linked to late-night meetings with political figures.

This comes amid a broader political backdrop of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies consistently targeting SP leadership over corruption allegations ahead of the next state electoral cycle.

Rajbhar on Alleged KGMU Conversion Case

On the reported religious conversion case at King George's Medical University, Rajbhar called for a thorough investigation and said those found guilty should face consequences. 'If people are involved in such activities, there should be an investigation. If they are found guilty, action should be taken against them,' he said, while noting that criminal behaviour was not confined to any one community or setting.

Sharp Criticism of SP's S.T. Hasan Over Lord Ram Remark

Rajbhar also targeted SP leader S.T. Hasan over remarks concerning the birthplace of Lord Ram, questioning Hasan's educational background and knowledge. 'S.T. Hasan should have knowledge before making allegations. The whole world knows, and the entire country knows,' he said.

He alleged that Hasan's education had been limited to madrasas and Urdu instruction, and suggested Hasan revisit his studies. The remarks are likely to draw a fresh round of controversy, touching as they do on the highly sensitive issue of the Ram Janmabhoomi — a matter that has defined UP politics for decades.

As the political temperature in Uttar Pradesh continues to rise, Rajbhar's remarks signal that the BJP alliance intends to keep legal cases against SP leaders at the centre of its political offensive in the weeks ahead.