SP revokes Azam Khan expulsion

The Samajwadi Party on Wednesday revoked the expulsion of its prominent Muslim leader and Rampur MLA Mohammed Azam Khan. The party had expelled Khan during the Lok Sabha elections in May 2009 for "anti-party activities. HT reports.

The Samajwadi Party on Wednesday revoked the expulsion of its prominent Muslim leader and Rampur MLA Mohammed Azam Khan. The party had expelled Khan during the Lok Sabha elections in May 2009 for "anti-party activities.

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SP national general secretary Ramgopal Yadav said in a statement here on Wednesday, "In view of the aspirations of party workers, the expulsion of Mohammed Azam Khan has been revoked." He appealed to Khan to work for strengthening the party.

Khan told HT he would take a final decision on returning to the party within 10 days. He said a five-member committee of the advisory council of his supporters had been set up to consider the revocation of his expulsion.

Khan said a charter of demands connected with the Muslim community would be prepared and presented to the party. He said revocation of his expulsion was only a legal matter, which had been taken care of.

Khan had revolted against the party following its alliance with former BJP leader Kalyan Singh and renomination of Rampur MP Jayaprada in the Lok Sabha elections last year.

Khan had criticised Amar Singh for having Telugu filmstar Jayaprada renominated from Rampur. Khan's relations with Amar Singh were far from cordial even during Yadav's term as Uttar Pradesh chief minister from 2003-2007.