The city of Rampur is about to become the epicenter of political activity in Uttar Pradesh, with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati scheduling significant events just one day apart, centered around veteran leader Azam Khan.Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to travel to Rampur on October 8th to meet with senior party leader Azam Khan, who was recently released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years.This visit is timed precisely one day before BSP chief Mayawati is set to hold a massive rally in Lucknow on October 9th, marking the death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.Yadav's trip is being widely seen as a crucial gesture of solidarity. Upon Khan's release, Akhilesh Yadav expressed his happiness, calling the numerous cases against Khan "false" and promising to withdraw them if the SP returns to power. "Azam Khan is with the Samajwadi Party's founder, Netaji, and with us," Yadav stated, firmly rejecting any speculation about a party switch.The visit comes amidst a swirl of political rumors that Azam Khan, a founding member of the SP, might be unhappy with the party's leadership and could potentially join the BSP. These speculations grew after reports that Khan's wife had met with Mayawati.For his part, Azam Khan has remained non-committal about his next steps, stating he needs to focus on his health first. However, upon his release, he did clarify that he would not be joining the BSP.The timing of these events is no coincidence. Mayawati's rally is her party's first major show of strength in Lucknow in nearly a decade and is being viewed as an attempt to re-energize her party's base. The possibility of a leader with Azam Khan's influence joining her ranks would be a significant boost for the BSP's ambitions.By visiting Rampur just before the BSP rally, Akhilesh Yadav is making a clear strategic move to reinforce his party's relationship with Khan and present a united front to both their supporters and rivals. The back-to-back events will be closely watched across the state, as they could signal important shifts in political alliances ahead of future elections.
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