Rampur: In the complex landscape of Western Uttar Pradesh politics, the name Azam Khan was once beyond praise or criticism, earning him the moniker ‘Lion of Rampur’. However, as the 2027 state assembly elections approach, the 78-year-old leader’s influence seems to be shifting from commanding orders to offering advice.
Incarcerated in Rampur jail since November 2025 along with his son Abdullah Azam, Khan’s political standing has faced severe tests. Despite nearly 100 criminal cases ranging from hate speech to land grabbing, his significance for the Samajwadi Party (SP) remains a topic of intense debate.
On October 22, 2026, SP President Akhilesh Yadav visited Rampur jail for a crucial one-hour meeting with Khan. During the visit, Yadav reportedly discussed the political situation across all 403 assembly constituencies, specifically focusing on a list of 13 potential candidates for Western UP. Following the meeting, Yadav publicly stated, “Azam was, Azam is, and Azam will remain.”
Political analysts view this visit as a calculated move rather than mere courtesy. With influence over 25 to 30 assembly seats in regions like Rampur, Moradabad, and Sambhal, Khan remains a vital symbol for uniting minority votes. As a founding member of the SP and a ten-time MLA from the Rampur Sadar seat, his legacy is deeply intertwined with the party’s regional identity.
Sources indicate that earlier in October, Khan had sent Yadav a list of 15 names for potential candidates in Saharanpur, Meerut, Badaun, and other key districts. “If we ignore Azam, we will suffer losses in the elections,” noted Ajay Sagar, the SP’s Rampur district president, underscoring the ground-level sentiment.
However, experts point out that Khan’s iron grip on the region has notably weakened. In the 2022 assembly elections, Khan defeated the BJP’s Akash Saxena by a margin of 55,141 votes. Yet, after his disqualification following a hate speech conviction, the subsequent by-election saw Saxena capture the Rampur Sadar seat—breaching Khan’s fortress and defeating the SP candidate by approximately 34,000 votes.
Furthermore, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Akhilesh Yadav fielded Maulana Mohibbullah Nadvi from Rampur despite Khan’s reported displeasure, indicating a shift in the internal power dynamics. As the Samajwadi Party gears up for the 2027 polls, it appears that while the ‘Lion of Rampur’ may still have a voice in ticket distribution, his absolute veto power may be a thing of the past.