Refuses offer to take Shivpal Singh Yadav’s place as leader of the opposition in Uttar Pradesh assembly.
Expelled Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan formally rejoined his parent party on Saturday. Both Khan and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav were in tears as they embraced each other on a stage at the party office in Lucknow in front of hundreds of party workers.
Azam, who was once the SP’s Muslim face, had quit the party after Mulayam joined hands with former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalyan Singh, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when the Babri mosque in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992.
Khan was also upset at the predominance of Amar Singh in party affairs. The SP expelled Amar Singh in February last. Khan’s return is seen as a major boost for the SP, particularly with UP assembly elections due in 2012.
“I have always been committed to ‘Netaji’ (Mulayam),” said Khan, “I did not approach any other party. This is my homecoming.”
In his 45-minute speech, which was cheered and applauded by the SP workers, Khan made pointed references to Amar Singh without naming him. He also lashed out at Kalyan Singh, dubbing him as the “villain” of the Ayodhya demolition.
Azam Khan also referred to the Allahabad high court judgment on the Ayodhya title case, which is perceived in some quarters as being favourable to the Hindu claimants. “Muslims are feeling cheated. There is a silence in the community, but this silence could be dangerous. The country needs to understand that,” he said.
He criticised the judgment and said the court decision sounded like an order of a “panchayat” where facts and evidence were given the go-by.
For his part, Mulayam praised Khan, describing him as a “messiah” of the Muslims. He fondly recalled his long association with Khan and regretted that they had parted ways due to some “misunderstanding”.
In a related development, Mulayam’s brother, Shivpal Singh Yadav, resigned as leader of the opposition in the UP assembly and offered the post to Khan. The latter, however, turned down the offer, saying it would be seen as a “deal” for his
return.
He tore Shivpal’s resignation letter before the gathering, inviting hearty applause from the crowds.
“Azam Khan, Mulayam Singh zindabad [Long live Azam Khan, Mulayam Singh],” the crowd cheered.
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