Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav met senior party leader Azam Khan at Rampur jail in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. After the meeting, Akhilesh visited Azam Khan’s residence and met his wife. Speaking to the media, he said their conversation had gone well and expressed hope that Azam Khan would recover fully and receive justice soon. Akhilesh also said he had taken note of the suggestions given to him by the veteran leader. The meeting comes as political activity in Uttar Pradesh intensifies ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the Samajwadi Party preparing to challenge the ruling BJP.
‘Azam Is Azam, and We Will Fulfil the Dream’
Akhilesh’s visit has drawn attention to the relationship between the two leaders and Azam Khan’s role in the Samajwadi Party. When asked who the party would field from the Rampur Sadar Assembly seat, Akhilesh declined to reveal a name. He said the candidate would become known when the party released its list. His remarks kept the focus on the upcoming electoral contest without confirming the party’s choice for the constituency. Akhilesh also commented on the crowd and police presence around the area, saying the situation had become difficult because of the arrangements on the route.
BJP Accused of Interfering With Religious Faith
After meeting Azam Khan, Akhilesh criticised the BJP, accusing its leaders of playing with people’s faith and religious sentiments. He raised questions about the use of religious expressions and referred to the issue of Ram Dhan, though he declined to discuss the subject in detail when asked further questions. His remarks added a religious dimension to the political exchange between the SP and BJP. Akhilesh has increasingly used the language of faith, justice and public respect in his political messaging, while the parties continue to compete over their positions on religious and social issues.
Akhilesh Says BJP Will Face Voters’ Anger
Akhilesh also criticised people who had previously formed a separate front in Azam Khan’s name, alleging that some of them were now working against the senior SP leader. He said he understood the people of Rampur and Uttar Pradesh and predicted that voters would teach the BJP a lesson in the next election. The remarks reflect the Samajwadi Party’s effort to strengthen its political position before the 2027 Assembly polls. Azam Khan has long been an influential figure in the party, particularly in Rampur, making his political standing an important issue for the SP.
Voter List Irregularities Raise Fresh Questions
Akhilesh also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in voter lists. He claimed that people involved in wrongdoing were being exposed and caught in different places. Referring to a list of 100 Assembly constituencies, he said the list for Pilibhit had not yet been submitted. He also questioned how many names had emerged in connection with the reported discrepancies. His comments came amid scrutiny of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Demand for Action From Election Commission
Akhilesh expressed hope that the Election Commission would take steps to correct errors in the voter lists. He suggested that linking voter records with Aadhaar could be considered as a way to improve the process. His remarks put the accuracy of electoral rolls back in the political spotlight, with the SP demanding action over alleged discrepancies. The meeting with Azam Khan, criticism of the BJP and questions about voter records together highlight the issues the Samajwadi Party is raising as it prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
