Azam Khan, a prominent Indian lawyer and politician, has had a long and impactful career in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. His life and career are marked by significant achievements and controversies alike.
Wiki/Biography
Azam Khan was born on August 14, 1948, in Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Leo. He pursued his law degree at Aligarh Muslim University, graduating in 1974. After practicing law, he entered the political arena in 1980.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
- Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family, Caste & Wife
Azam Khan hails from a Muslim family and practices Islam. His father was Mumtaz Khan, though details about his mother and siblings remain limited. He is married to Tazeen Fatima, a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh. The couple has two sons. His son, Mohammad Abdulla Azam Khan, is also involved in politics.
Career
Khan’s political journey began in 1980 with the Janata Dal (Secular), winning the Rampur constituency. His party affiliations shifted over the years, including stints with Lok Dal and Janata Party. A pivotal moment was the co-founding of the Samajwadi Party in 1992, solidifying his position within the party.
He served as an MLA for nine terms from the Rampur constituency. His career also included a role as a Cabinet Minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. He held the position of General Secretary of the Samajwadi Party before resigning in 2009, following a temporary expulsion that was later overturned. His political career witnessed both periods of influence and periods of legal challenges.
In 2022, he resigned from his Lok Sabha membership after winning the Rampur seat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. He took the oath as MLA in May 2022 following an interim bail grant by the Supreme Court.
| Year | Party | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Janata Dal (Secular) | MLA, Rampur | First elected to the Legislative Assembly |
| 1992 | Samajwadi Party | Co-founder, MLA | Significant shift in political alignment |
| 2014 | Samajwadi Party | Lok Sabha Member | Won the Rampur seat |
| 2022 | Samajwadi Party | MLA, Rampur | Returned to the State Legislative Assembly |
Controversies
Throughout his career, Azam Khan faced several controversies. These include accusations of using abusive language towards an IAS officer, alleged pressure on police during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, and making controversial statements regarding the Taj Mahal, the Paris attacks, and the Kargil War.
Further controversies involved a high-profile case concerning a missing buffalo, leading to the deployment of a significant police presence. He also faced criticism for comments made about the BJP and for a birthday celebration funded by alleged controversial sources. Legal battles related to these issues, including a fake birth certificate case involving his son and a hate speech case, significantly impacted his career.
- Accusations of abusive language towards an IAS officer.
- Allegations of influencing police actions during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.
- Controversial statements on various national and international events.
- Legal battles and convictions related to hate speech and a fake birth certificate.
Salary/Net Worth
As a Lok Sabha member, Azam Khan received a salary of approximately ?1 lakh plus allowances per month. In 2019, his net worth was estimated at ?4.61 crore.
Facts
Azam Khan holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving MLAs in Uttar Pradesh’s history. Before joining the Samajwadi Party, he was a member of four other political parties. His long tenure as an MLA for the Rampur constituency speaks to his sustained political influence.
His residence is in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The Y-category security cover provided to him by the Uttar Pradesh government was withdrawn in July 2023.
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