'I Will Come Out Clean': Azam Khan On Court Cases; Denies Joining BSP

Rampur:

On Wednesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) veteran Azam Khan expressed strong confidence in receiving justice regarding the numerous court cases against him, while categorically dismissing rumors about potentially joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Khan, who has served as an MLA from Rampur ten times, is currently facing multiple criminal allegations including land grabbing and corruption charges, which he has consistently described as politically motivated. His recent release came after the Allahabad High Court granted him bail in the Quality Bar land encroachment case last week. Notably, his name was added to this case during a reinvestigation nearly five years after the initial FIR was filed.

Speaking to journalists the day following his release from Sitapur jail, where he had been imprisoned for approximately two years, the 77-year-old politician stated, "I have complete faith that I will emerge clean from these cases. I am confident in receiving justice from the high court, and if necessary, from the Supreme Court, though I believe that stage won't be reached."

Firmly rejecting speculation about changing party allegiance, the founding SP member emphasized, "We possess something called character. Character isn't defined by whether we hold positions; it means earning people's love and respect. We have proven that we cannot be bought."

When asked about SP president Akhilesh Yadav characterizing his release as justice prevailing, Khan responded humbly, "He leads a major political party. If he has made such remarks about someone as insignificant as me, it only demonstrates his magnanimity."

Regarding Akhilesh's statement that false cases against him would be withdrawn once SP returns to power, Khan replied, "That may not be necessary," expressing confidence in winning his legal battles through the courts. When reminded that he himself is considered a senior party figure, Khan modestly stated, "I am not important; I am merely a servant and worker of the party."

Addressing questions about no senior SP leader or local MP greeting him upon his release, Khan displayed no bitterness, saying, "There is no resentment whatsoever. I wish them well." When questioned about reported tensions between Rampur and Saifai factions, Khan lightheartedly urged journalists not to "fan flames" regarding the matter.

Khan indicated he hasn't communicated with Akhilesh since leaving jail, explaining, "Believe me, throughout these years I only remembered my wife's phone number, and now I've forgotten even that. Having not used a phone for five years, I've forgotten how to operate one." Regarding SP leader S T Hasan's comment about meeting if summoned, Khan respectfully noted, "He is our leader and elder."

When questioned about rumors that Shivpal Singh Yadav might visit him, Khan responded with emotional undertones, "I've spent five years alone in a small cell. The feeling of waiting for someone has disappeared."

Responding to Akhilesh's claim that SP would withdraw cases upon regaining power, Khan remarked, "If those words carried any significance, you wouldn't see me outside like this now. From lower courts to the Supreme Court, I maintain hope for justice. And you'll witness that I will emerge completely vindicated."

Asked if he anticipates SP forming the government in 2027, Khan replied, "I don't make predictions. I have no personal aspirations; I simply wish them well, as they are Netaji's (Mulayam Singh Yadav) children." On whether he would remain with SP, he stated unequivocally, "Why would there be any question of leaving?" He also firmly dismissed rumors about contact with BSP, telling reporters, "You don't even understand that much!"