Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Mohammad Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail on Tuesday after spending nearly two years behind bars. Upon his release, Khan expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his incarceration.
Addressing speculation about a possible shift to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Khan refrained from commenting directly, saying, “This can be explained only by those who are making the speculations… 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.”
Speaking about his immediate plans, Khan told ANI, “I will get treatment, work on my health, and then think what is to be done.”
Azam Khan had been jailed in connection with the Quality Bar land encroachment case and was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court in May this year.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed Khan’s release, promising to withdraw all “false” cases against him if the party returns to power in Uttar Pradesh. SP MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav also criticised the Yogi Adityanath-led state government, calling the cases against Khan “framed.”