Is Azam Khan Joining BSP? SP Leader Reacts To Speculations After Walking Out Of Jail

Last Updated:September 23, 2025, 18:51 IST

Shivpal Yadav said the reports on Azam Khan switching sides were fake, adding that the party had been extending him all help.

Senior SP leader Azam Khan. (PTI)

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former UP minister Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail on Tuesday after spending around two years behind bars. Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the prison to welcome Khan.

As he walked out of the jail, he thanked the people who supported him, saying, “Thanks to everyone. My blessings to all (who supported him)," as quoted by news agency ANI.

Is Azam Khan Joining BSP?

The senior SP leader also addressed rumours about his shift to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Speculations arose that Khan would join the Mayawati camp after BSP’s lone MLA from the Rasra constituency in Ballia, Uma Shankar Singh, had said that Khan would be welcomed in the party and his entry would further strengthen the organisation.

However, he declined to comment on such rumours, saying that only those who are making the speculations can give clarity.

“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 5 years…" he said as quoted by the news agency.

Earlier today, senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav dismissed the speculation that the party’s founder member might join the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Shivpal Yadav said the reports on Azam Khan switching sides were fake, adding that the party had been extending him all help. He also said all cases against Khan were fake.

"There is no question of Azam Khan sahab joining any other party. He has been and will always remain with the Samajwadi Party," said Yadav while talking to PTI from Jhansi.

"The SP and its leadership have always stood by Khan Sahab and will continue to do so. As for him joining any party, these are mere rumours," Yadav said, adding Khan was embroiled in fake cases.

"We all know who was behind it, don’t we?" he said, adding that he will meet Khan soon.

SP’s Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik too said the reports of Khan leaving the party were baseless.

"Azam Khan is a founder member of SP. He is such a tall leader. All such reports suggesting his switch from SP to any other party are baseless," Malik said.

Meanwhile, former UP Chief Minister and SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav said that Khan has played a major role in fighting against the BJP alongside party workers. He said the cases against Khan were fake and the SP will withdraw them upon forming the government in the state.

“Azam Khan and Samajwadis have played a major role in countering the BJP for a long time now…We hope that in the time to come, all his cases will be finished. The manner in which the CM withdrew cases against him and the Deputy CM as well as BJP leaders, after SP forms Government, all false cases against Azam Khan will be withdrawn," he said.

BJP’s Dig At Rumours

Meanwhile, UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, in a post on X, said even if Khan switched to the BSP, it wouldn’t have any impact on the prospects of the BJP in the 2027 assembly polls.

"Whether Mohammad Azam Khan stays in SP or goes to BSP, the defeat of both SP and BSP is certain in 2027," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics Is Azam Khan Joining BSP? SP Leader Reacts To Speculations After Walking Out Of Jail

Read More