UP minister to move court against media for ''tarnishing image''

Lucknow, Feb 24 (UNI) Peeved with media bashing, Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh urban development minister Mohd Azam Khan today announced to move court and bring privilege notice against a particular media for ''tarnishing his image.'' ''These mediapersons are trying to blackmail politicians for vested interest,'' Khan told newspersons here.

He claimed a conspiracy was hatched against SP leaders including himself and Amar Singh to tarnish their image. ''I will certainly go to court, the press council and bring a privilege notice in the assembly against the media act.'' The minister said he was hurt with media bashing and was ready to leave politics if ''even prima facie charges are proved against me.'' Talking about Amar Singh's alleged tape, Mr Khan said it was an effort to malign his image and damage SP at the behest of a ruling party at the centre.

Khan indirectly hit out at the Rampur Nawabs for orchestrating the conspiracy, but announced to continue his tirade against them even facing ''several hardships.'' Earlier, two news channels had telecast a report alleging that Khan had illegally acquired government land and properties at Rampur and even termed him as 'New Nawab of Rampur'.

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