Akhilesh vows to withdraw “false cases” if SP wins, BJP warns against return of “jungle raj”
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
After nearly 23 months in Sitapur jail, prominent Samajwadi Party leader and former MP Azam Khan finally walked free on Tuesday. The release came in connection with the Quality Bar land encroachment case, following bail granted by the Allahabad High Court on September 18.
Stepping out into the sunlight in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Khan shared a moment of relief with supporters. “Thanks to everyone. My blessings to all who supported me,” he told , his voice carrying gratitude after years of isolation.
Rumors had swirled about Khan possibly switching to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), but he quickly shut them down. “This can be explained only by those who are making the speculations,” he said. “I did not meet anyone in jail. I was not allowed to make a phone call… So, I have been completely out of touch for five years.” He also pushed back against claims of vendetta politics, insisting, “Vendetta comes into play only if I caused someone some harm. I have behaved well, even with my enemies. Nobody can claim that I did an injustice to anyone.”
The opposition in Uttar Pradesh cheered Khan’s release, pointing fingers at the state government for what they call false cases against him. They vowed to drop those charges if they take power. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, couldn’t hide his joy. “Azam Khan sahab is with the Samajwadi Party and its founder Netaji, and us,” Yadav told reporters. “He has played a major role in the fight against the BJP for a long time. We are hopeful that every case against him will be closed. Just like the CM and DyCM have done for their leaders in the BJP, we will withdraw every false case registered against Azam Khan when Samajwadi Party forms the government.”
Yadav thanked the court for justice and expressed hope that the BJP-led government won’t file more false cases. “This is a matter of joy for the Samwadis that he has been released,” he added, referencing how an officer kept getting extensions amid the legal battles.
Fellow SP leader and MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav echoed the sentiment, slamming the Yogi Adityanath government. “Azam Khan was framed by the government in false cases,” he said. “However, the court has granted him bail and provided relief. I welcome this decision. I welcome the Supreme Court and the High Court. Many false cases were filed against him. The Samajwadi Party stands beside him.”
On the other side, the BJP fired back, warning against a return to what they describe as “Jungle Raj” and “Goonda Raj” under previous regimes. BJP MP Ravi Kishan reacted to Yadav’s comments, saying, “Now Uttar Pradesh does not want to see that jungle raj, goonda raj, bahubali raj, and kidnapping raj again; therefore, the BJP government is coming back repeatedly. In 2027, we will also cross 300” seats in the state assembly elections.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad accused the SP of turning everything into politics. “The honourable court has given its verdict, and everyone should follow the court guidelines,” he said. “The Samajwadi Party tries to politicise every issue—it is time for them to move beyond this pattern.”
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya took to X (formerly Twitter) to predict doom for SP and BSP. “Whether Mohammad Azam Khan stays in the SP or goes to the BSP, the defeat of both SP-BSP in 2027 is certain,” he posted.
Khan’s lawyer, Mohammad Khalid, confirmed to that no cases remain to keep his client behind bars. “So, there are no pending cases that would keep him in jail. As of today, bail has been granted in all the cases,” Khalid explained. The Quality Bar land case stemmed from allegations that Khan, as a cabinet minister in 2013, misused his power to lease land to a family member through a society-owned building. “The society was independent, had issued a tender, and the highest bidder was his family member—his wife—so she was allotted,” Khalid clarified. An FIR came in 2019, with further investigation in 2024 naming Khan. But the court saw through it, granting bail.
As Uttar Pradesh politics heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, Khan’s release adds fresh fuel to the rivalry between SP and BJP, with both sides digging in on false cases and future power plays.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
