Azam Khan calls PM Modi ‘maha thug’, says Jama Masjid Shahi Imam is ‘bikau maal’

The Samajwadi Party’s irrepressible leader Azam Khan took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a ‘maha thug’ while addressing an election rally in Bijnor. The SP’s Muslim face also put the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid in his line of fire describing him as someone who is up for sale.

Ahead of the second phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh, senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan generated some heat by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘maha thug’ (super conman) and the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari ‘bikau’ (purchasable).

Samajwadi Party’s Muslim face and UP minister Azam Khan put the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid in his line of fire describing him as someone who is up for sale. (HT File Photo)

“The PM made false promises to come to power and later betrayed the people of the country. He did nothing for the common people. Only people like Adani and Ambani flourished under his government,” Khan said while addressing an election rally at a government college in Bijnor on Sunday.

“He promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh (in the bank accounts of people) but not a single penny was deposited. Instead, he made everyone stand in queues. Modi is nothing but a ‘maha thug’.”

The SP leader also took a swipe at the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid . “Bhukhari is ‘bikau maal’. He supported the Samajwadi Party till a few days ago but now he is supporting the Bahujan Samaj Party,” he said.

Thirty-one Jat men are currently standing trial in the case. Suchi Chaudhary, wife of one of the key accused, Aishwarya Chaudhary, is contesting from the seat on a BJP ticket. Her rival, Ruchiveera, is the incumbent MLA from Samajwadi Party, and Azam Khan’s rally was organised to support her.

“She (Ruchiveera) has taken steps for the development of Bijnor. Support her in the election,” said Azam.

Bijnor goes to polls on February 15 in the second phase of elections in UP.