After Shivpal Yadav’s meeting with Azam Khan, there has been an uproar in the Samajwadi Party (SP). Till now, Akhilesh Yadav, taking the displeasure of the leaders lightly, has started damage control. Akhilesh Yadav has sent many of his messengers to take care of Azam Khan, who is hurt due to being sidelined in bad times. On Sunday, at the behest of SP President Akhilesh Yadav, MLA Ravidas Malhotra reached Sitapur Jail along with several party MLAs and met the veteran Muslim leader of the party.
Earlier on April 10, Azam Khan’s media in-charge Fasahat Ali Khan alias Sanu suddenly created a stir in the politics of UP by accusing Akhilesh Yadav of neglecting Azam Khan. He said that Akhilesh neither made any effort to get Azam out of jail nor went to meet him. Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam have remained silent on this, but many leaders close to him have expressed their intention by resigning from the party.
Meanwhile, uncle Shivpal Yadav, who is angry with Akhilesh, talks to Azam Khan for over an hour by going to Sitapur Jail. There is speculation that Shivpal Yadav may form a new front with Azam Khan. Till now, Akhilesh Yadav, who has been taking Shivpal’s displeasure lightly, has increased the trouble of uncle’s new bet. He has entrusted some party leaders with the responsibility of persuading the Azam family.
Recently, SP alliance partner and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary went to Rampur and met the Azam family. This was also said to be part of an attempt to persuade the angry family. However, Akhilesh Yadav himself had said that he had not sent Jayant there. Party sources say that the way Azam Khan is popular among Muslims, if he leaves the party, then it may have to bear the brunt in the next Lok Sabha elections. Keeping this in mind, efforts have been started to persuade Azam Khan.