Azam can play important role in 2024 LS elections

Lucknow: After getting interim bail from the Apex Court, the path has been paved for the release of Azam Khan, who has been in jail since February 2020. With this, the political grapevine in UP is abuzz with SP stalwart Azam Khan’s next move.

Notably, trouble started for Lawyerturned-politician Azam Khan since the formation of the BJP government in UP in 2017. A total of 89 cases have been registered against Azam Khan, who has been lodged in Sitapur Jail over multiple charges including theft, criminal intimidation and land encroachment. Khan, a former UP cabinet minister and ten-term MLA, apparently has a great influence in the Muslim community, especially in western UP.

Azam Khan was deeply hurt over the fact that after being put in jail, SP had completely ignored him; even Akhilesh had come to meet him only once. This discontent was expressed outwardly when the media in charge and close aide of Khan, Fasahat Ali Shanu accused that nothing was done by the SP for Azam’s release, protest was not registered even in a single district. Shanu also took a jibe at Akhilesh for meeting Azam only once in jail.

Political observer insists that Azam has emerged as a blue eyed boy for all opposition parties as ‘Azam card’ can play an important role in making inroads among Muslim voters in the context of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

According to a source associated with the Azam camp, this veteran leader has assessed many options and their consequences, soon after his release, he will take a decision regarding the next step. It is certain that an ‘effective front’ will be opened against the BJP with the support of secular forces because all the efforts so far have proved unsuccessful.