UP, Sep.23,2025:The Azam Khan Release on bail after nearly two years in Sitapur Jail has triggered a political storm in Uttar Pradesh. The senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, known as one of the founding members of the party, walked free on Tuesday to loud cheers from supporters-
His release immediately set off a heated political debate when SP chief Akhilesh Yadav announced that if the Samajwadi Party forms the government again, all “false cases” against Khan would be withdrawn. This bold promise has shaken the state’s political landscape and set the stage for an intense power battle in the coming elections.
Who is Azam Khan- A Political Profile
Before diving deeper into the controversy, it’s important to understand who Azam Khan is.
- A nine-time MLA from Rampur.
- Former Cabinet Minister in the UP government.
- Founding member of the Samajwadi Party and a close aide of Mulayam Singh Yadav.
- Known as one of the most influential Muslim leaders in Uttar Pradesh.
Azam Khan’s clout goes beyond Rampur; he has been a prominent voice for the minority community, making his release highly significant in the state’s political narrative.
Why Was Azam Khan in Jail
The Azam Khan Release follows his bail in multiple cases filed during the BJP regime.
Charges against him included:
- Land grabbing cases.
- Allegations of hate speech.
- Encroachment of government property.
- Misuse of power during his ministerial tenure.
Critics say these were politically motivated cases aimed at weakening SP’s strongman in Rampur. However, BJP leaders insist the charges were genuine and based on evidence.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Strong Statement
Reacting to the Azam Khan Release, SP president Akhilesh Yadav declared:
“We thank the court for ensuring justice. We always believed Azam Khan sahab would walk free because the cases were false. Once we form the government, all these fabricated cases will be withdrawn, just like BJP leaders got their cases quashed.”
He further pointed out that BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, had withdrawn cases against themselves in the past.
This statement not only boosted Azam Khan’s image but also sparked a major political slugfest.
Reactions from Samajwadi Party Cadre
The Azam Khan Release has energized the SP cadre, especially in Rampur. Local supporters celebrated with sweets, firecrackers, and slogans in support of Khan.
SP workers see his release as a symbol of resilience against BJP’s alleged misuse of agencies. Party insiders believe Khan’s return will strengthen SP’s minority vote bank ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections.
BJP’s Counterattack and Criticism
The BJP, however, slammed Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks. Party spokespersons argued:
- “Akhilesh is openly siding with corruption and lawlessness.”
- “If SP comes back to power, it will protect criminals.”
- “BJP believes in zero tolerance for corruption, unlike SP.”
For BJP, the Azam Khan Release provides fresh ammunition to corner SP over its alleged appeasement politics.
What Azam Khan Release Means for Uttar Pradesh Politics
The Azam Khan Release is more than just a legal outcome; it’s a political signal.
- For SP: It boosts minority outreach and revives the loyalty of Rampur voters.
- For BJP: It gives them a chance to highlight SP’s “pro-criminal” image.
- For Congress and AIMIM: It could complicate their attempts to woo Muslim voters.
Political analysts argue that Azam Khan’s release could reshape caste-religion equations in western UP, making the upcoming polls unpredictable.
National Political Reactions
Beyond Uttar Pradesh, national political figures also weighed in:
- Congress MPs cautiously welcomed the bail but criticized SP for opportunistic politics.
- AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi called Khan’s cases a “witch hunt” against Muslim leaders.
- Civil rights activists accused the government of selective targeting.
The Azam Khan Release has clearly become a talking point in national politics.
Public Opinion on Social Media
Social media platforms lit up after news of the Azam Khan Release–
- SP supporters trended hashtags like Welcome Azam Khan and Justice For Azam Khan.
- BJP supporters mocked SP, claiming it supports “land grabbers and criminals.”
- Neutral users debated whether political vendetta is eroding India’s democratic institutions.
Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are flooded with debates, further polarizing public opinion.
Will Cases Really Be Withdrawn
Akhilesh Yadav’s promise raises a crucial question: Can all cases against Azam Khan actually be withdrawn?
- Legally, a new government can recommend case withdrawals, but courts have the final say.
- Politically, SP will face criticism if it appears to shield leaders from accountability.
- For Azam Khan, freedom from legal battles could allow him to reclaim his role as SP’s Muslim face.
The Azam Khan Release might just be the beginning of a larger political gamble.
A Turning Point for UP Politics
The Azam Khan Release is not just about one leader walking out of jail — it has become a symbol of political rivalry, minority rights, and electoral strategy.
With Akhilesh Yadav’s promise to end all cases, the stakes in Uttar Pradesh politics have skyrocketed. Whether this move strengthens SP or backfires will be revealed in the months ahead.
