New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) The prominent leader of the Samajwadi Party and former Uttar Pradesh Minister, Azam Khan, who was released from Sitapur jail in September after enduring 23 months behind bars due to various criminal cases, might seem less vocal now, but beneath his composed exterior lies a strategic politician eager for a more significant role for Muslims in the nation's political landscape.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Azam Khan openly discussed his political evolution, his connection with Akhilesh Yadav, his incarceration, the present condition of Indian democracy, his income sources, and his opinions on communal politics and minority representation.

IANS: What is your view on the Bihar elections? Which coalition do you believe will prevail, the NDA or the Mahagathbandhan?

Azam Khan: Politics resembles a contest of strength among parties. At times, one party's burden is unfairly transferred to another. Even during my imprisonment, my name alongside Abdullah's appeared on the list of star campaigners, despite our inability to participate.

Currently, for health and security reasons, I refrain from traveling. I willingly relinquished my Y-category security. I mostly reside alone or with trusted individuals. The situation in Bihar is dire; no one places their head on the railway track without justification. My desire is not only to visit but also to contribute in any way possible.

IANS: Do you have faith in the investigating agencies?

Azam Khan: I trust them, but I wish for that trust to strengthen. That's why I advocate for international observers to ensure there are no allegations of seeking unfair advantages. I challenge them to conduct elections under an impartial agency and witness if their candidates can even secure their deposits.

IANS: Can the INDIA bloc defeat the NDA in the current scenario?

Azam Khan: I spent nearly one and a half years in Varanasi jail. During that time, it felt like democracy had vanished. Fear permeated the atmosphere. Individuals who previously arrived at offices three or four hours late began showing up on time, not out of discipline but fear. The entire nation was enveloped in dread.

IANS: There's been criticism regarding the CM candidate being from the Yadav community and the Deputy CM from the Mallah community while ignoring Muslims, who constitute nearly 19% of Bihar's population. What are your thoughts?

Azam Khan: I am acutely aware of the origins and implications of this question and know those who raised it. I hold no grievances against them; I maintain cordial relations with them. I had a close rapport with Mufti Sahib, a senior leader, and my connection to their politics and legacy remains profound.

IANS: Do you believe Muslims are perceived merely as vote banks?

Azam Khan: Absolutely not. Those who permit themselves to be exploited do so on their terms. However, to assert that Muslims exist solely to be utilized is an affront. We have exercised our voting rights judiciously. In Uttar Pradesh, we backed governments that served the populace.

IANS: Owaisi frequently requests inclusion in alliances, but the RJD and Congress have rejected him, labeling him 'communal'. What is your take?

Azam Khan: It's up to those who declined him to explain their reasons, and for him to clarify his intentions for joining. I wasn't part of that discussion. My only hope is that Akhilesh Yadav and Muslims receive equitable representation within the INDIA bloc.

Simply donning a cap does not define one as a Muslim. I have witnessed leaders who keep a cap in their pocket, wearing it exclusively during minority conferences, only to remove it afterward.

IANS: Should Akhilesh Yadav appoint a Muslim Deputy Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh?

Azam Khan: The Constitution does not recognize such a position; it is merely symbolic. Even in UP, there are two Deputy CMs, yet they wield no power; no one heeds them. Until the Constitution acknowledges it, the position holds no relevance.

IANS: Did you anticipate Akhilesh Yadav's visit during your time in jail?

Azam Khan: He has visited me several times, both previously and recently. Relationships are not defined by visits. My bond with that family spans over 45 years; such connections do not dissolve easily.

IANS: There were rumors of a rift between you and Akhilesh.

Azam Khan: Those were narratives fabricated by the media. We began to believe them because the media only highlighted our downfall. There was a period when the media caused us significant harm – we faced repercussions for situations we never imagined.

IANS: During your imprisonment, did you think Mulayam Singh Yadav would have reacted differently had he been alive?

Azam Khan: When I was last jailed, Netaji (Mulayam Singh) was alive. However, today, false cases are registered using the law as a weapon. In such times, protest does not help; it only exacerbates the situation. I have sensed trouble beforehand and averted it multiple times.

IANS: Would you say you have endured more since Mulayam Singh is no longer here?

Azam Khan: Injustice seems to be my fate. But can you assure me it won’t recur? During my bail hearing, Kapil Sibal worked tirelessly, presenting every detail to the court. Within ten minutes, 27 FIRs were filed against me, each originating from a different police station but citing the same crime number. Even the Supreme Court remarked, 'Grant him preliminary bail in all.'

IANS: Recently, a controversy erupted when Raghvendra Singh, the state in charge of Yogi Adityanath’s Hindu Yuva Vahini and a former MLA, challenged Hindu boys to 'bring Muslim girls', even offering jobs for doing so. BSP leader Mayawati condemned his comments and defended Muslims. What is your response?

Azam Khan: I appreciate her remarks, but on such issues, it’s wiser to remain silent. Responding to such disgraceful statements only amplifies their propaganda. Individuals with such a warped mindset merely seek a reaction to their vile comments.

IANS: What is your current source of income? How do you manage your household expenses?

Azam Khan: Both my wife and I receive pensions. No one else in India has been elected from the same constituency eight times consecutively. Others may change seats, but I have not, and each time my vote share has only risen.

IANS: There is an officer, Anuj Chaudhary, in UP Police. It’s said you assisted him during your tenure.

Azam Khan: I did nothing for him. Akhilesh Yadav promoted him because he earned a medal; it was his fortune. One day, I observed police obstructing civilians despite Section 144 not being enforced. I merely stated, 'Don’t do this; such actions tarnish the government’s image.'

IANS: Just because your vote share increases, should you claim the position of CM or PM?

Azam Khan: While an increase in our vote percentage may justify such claims to some extent, there exists something far more critical: peace of mind. Whether we become PM, CM, minister, or MLA is inconsequential. What truly matters is living without fear, knowing our children will return home safely.

IANS: You mentioned hefty fines and legal fees. Has your party provided financial assistance?

Azam Khan: Following the IT raid at our residence, people climbed over the walls and invaded our home. No one comprehended the situation, and they confiscated everything.

They found Rs 3,500 with me, Rs 10,000 with Abdullah, about Rs 500–600 with my elder son, and approximately 100 grams of gold with my wife.

To manage expenses now, I may have to sell my house, but the current state is such that even if I wanted to sell it, there are no buyers.

IANS: If your government returns in 2027, will you seek revenge?

Azam Khan: We’ll see when the time comes. However, we do not seek revenge. If we replicate their actions, what separates us from them?

IANS: Will your government strive for justice for the victims in Sambhal and Bareilly?

Azam Khan: We will not seek revenge, but we will indeed pursue justice.

IANS: Your MP from Rampur, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, is facing serious allegations of marrying multiple women and deceiving them. What is your comment?

Azam Khan: Some cannot manage even one, while others have many awaiting them; it’s fate. Once, a man told me his 47th wife had recently passed away. When asked how, he replied, 'Every time I marry, the wife dies within three days.' Another remarked, 'I’m not that fortunate; one is sufficiently troublesome for me.' Everyone has their own destiny and lifestyle; who are we to judge?

IANS: Have you retired from politics, or are you contemplating another term?

Azam Khan: If I had retired, would you still be visiting me? You only come to gauge how much light remains in this lamp. The reality is, maintaining its flame is no longer within my control.

IANS: Will there be a book chronicling your life?

Azam Khan: I am a book in myself. Not merely one, but numerous volumes accompany me. This prison cell was once my destiny, but not this time.

IANS: During Yogi Adityanath's administration, you spent years incarcerated. Will you take action against him if your party regains power?

Azam Khan: That would be revenge, and I believe in justice, not vengeance. I remain uncertain of my fault, except for my loyalty to a cause. Out of 114 cases, none accuse me of corruption or commission.

IANS: Have you been restored your security?

Azam Khan: When I was granted security, I had no need for it. Now, I lack even Y-category security, let alone Z-security. Those who unjustly oppose me enjoy greater protection. My father was imprisoned in 1970 for opposing injustice, and today, his son finds himself without security. This election was not won; it was robbed.

IANS: Do you feel your life is at risk?

Azam Khan: If the world were solely a garden, where would the deserts exist? My adversaries are naive; harboring enmity towards me serves no purpose. I cannot recall the reason, as I have never harmed anyone.

I have consistently stated, even at significant public gatherings, and I reiterate today, if my words have ever caused anyone harm, please inform me. I have never perceived anyone through the prism of religion or caste.

I successfully organized two Kumbh Melas. There was a Nawab of Rampur, Zulfiqar Ali, who surrounded himself with thugs and committed numerous atrocities. His demise too was tragic.

He once commanded his men to shoot at me; they approached with firearms, and a German pistol even fell onto my leg. Another time, while I was returning from Delhi, I stood by the roadside waiting, when an accident occurred. What transpired was what Allah had ordained. I am still alive today, but those who attempted to take my life are not.

IANS: You seem more subdued now. What has changed since your time in jail?

Azam Khan: Just a bit of weakness due to health. Otherwise, when the match resumes, I will take my turn at bat.