Azam Khan, a figure often compared to vintage Bollywood stars for his dramatic flair and sharp wit, has re-emerged in the political arena after a 23-month imprisonment. Known for his powerful oratory, often punctuated with Urdu couplets, Khan, now 77, continues to captivate audiences, even those who disagree with his politics.
Upon his release, Khan’s candid and somewhat sarcastic remarks about his past accusations – from stealing buffaloes to liquor bottles – resonated with many, evoking memories of past controversies. His statements also hinted at his uncertainty about his future living arrangements and the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, particularly referencing the loss of the Rampur assembly seat, traditionally held by him or his family since 1980, to the BJP in 2022.
Following his release, speculation swirled about Khan’s potential political moves, with theories ranging from forming his own party to allying with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). However, his seasoned understanding of politics suggests he knows the challenges faced by smaller parties. Khan’s history with the Samajwadi Party (SP) includes periods of dissent, such as his public opposition to Mulayam Singh Yadav’s alliance with Kalyan Singh in 2009, leading to his temporary resignation. His deep-rooted friendship with Mulayam Singh Yadav, dating back to 1986 and their shared political battles, highlights his significance within the SP’s history.
The possibility of an alliance with the BSP remains a topic of discussion, given the temperamental nature of both Mayawati and Khan. Khan’s past experiences with SP-BSP alliances, including the government’s collapse in 1995, offer a complex perspective.
Recently, Khan’s tweet aimed to quell speculation about his future plans. While his one-on-one meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav remains private, it’s clear Khan has found a renewed political life, positioning himself once again as a symbol of Muslim victimhood, garnering sympathy even from unexpected quarters. Despite his age and health concerns, his son Abdullah Khan appears poised to carry on the political legacy.
Khan’s penchant for controversy and his history of pressure politics are well-documented. The article delves into the reasons behind the BJP government’s actions against him, particularly under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Since 2017, Khan has faced numerous cases, with nearly 100 filed by 2019.
The narrative traces back to the Ram temple movement, highlighting the parallel rise of Yogi Adityanath, whose guru Mahant Avaidyanath was a key figure in the campaign. Conversely, Azam Khan emerged as a prominent Muslim leader, organizing protests against the temple movement and becoming a co-convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee. Their political journeys often intertwined with clashes during the temple-mosque disputes and periods of communal tension.
Khan’s ambitious project, the Maulana Mohd Ali Jauhar University, also faced scrutiny, with allegations of land acquisition from the poor. The article concludes by posing the question of Khan’s future political trajectory, especially under the current administration, with the courts set to determine the long-term implications of the cases against him.