Azam Khan Released from Sitapur Jail After 23 Months

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan was released today from Sitapur Jail after spending 23 months in prison. His release comes after the former Rampur MP was granted bail in several long-standing cases.

Recent Legal Relief

The Allahabad High Court recently granted Khan bail in the Quality Bar land grab case.

Earlier, he was acquitted in a 17-year-old case involving a road blockade and damage to public property.

On September 10, he also secured bail in a case regarding the alleged forced eviction of residents from Rampur's Dungarpur colony.

Public Response & Security

A large crowd gathered outside Sitapur to catch a glimpse of Khan, though police prevented people from waiting outside. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were enforced to maintain law and order.

Speculation About Joining BSP

Rumors are swirling that Azam Khan may join the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by Mayawati. BSP MLA Uma Shankar Singh welcomed the idea, suggesting that Khan's entry would strengthen the party. Media attempts to question Khan were blocked by police.

Reactions from SP Leaders

Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief and former UP CM, defended Khan, calling the cases fake and saying the party would withdraw them once in power. He praised Khan's role in countering the BJP.

Shivpal Yadav, another senior SP leader, denied reports of Khan switching sides, stating the party has supported him fully and reiterated that the cases were fabricated.

Azam Khan's Response

Azam Khan remained non-committal about the speculations. He said he would focus on his health first before deciding on his next political move:

"I can't say anything on this...I will get treatment, work on my health and then think what is to be done."

Political Uncertainty

Hints of tension between Khan and the SP are emerging:

Akhilesh Yadav did not visit Khan upon his release.

No prominent SP leaders accompanied him.

Khan's wife, Tanjin, expressed that she had no expectations from the SP, and supporters allege the party has turned its back on him.

The coming weeks could reveal whether Azam Khan remains with SP or makes a political shift, as he recovers and considers his future.