Overview

• Azam Khan left Sitapur jail on September 23 after nearly two years in custody, with his release delayed until his lawyer paid about Rs 8,000 in fines tied to older cases.
• The Allahabad High Court granted him bail on September 18 in the Quality Bar land dispute, following earlier bail in a Dungarpur-related matter and a recent acquittal in a 17-year-old case.
• Senior SP figures, including MP Awadhesh Prasad, say a future SP government would withdraw all cases against Khan, with Prasad promising action within 48 hours of taking office.
• Akhilesh Yadav is reported to be planning a meeting with Khan on October 8 to calm speculation about a party switch, which both leaders have denied as Mayawati readies a October 9 rally.
• Political observers note Khan’s continued clout in western Uttar Pradesh and Rampur, where he and his son held seats in 2022, despite dozens of cases over recent years.