Akhilesh Set to Embark on Cycle Yatra in Support of Azam Khan

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will kick-start his 350-kilometre Cycle Yatra from Rampur tomorrow in solidarity with SP leader and Rampur MP Mohammad Azam Khan. However, in the midst of this political heat, the police are preparing to file a charge sheet against Khan in 11 matters related to the Dungarpur case. Authorities are preparing to make Azam Khan an accused in ten cases based on an investigation and the statements of those arrested in this matter.

Earlier, 11 cases were registered against close relatives of Azam Khan in the matter related to vandalism and looting of several houses in the Dungarpur area. Those arrested by the police in these cases were questioned. The police claim that the arrested people have given statements that they have committed these crimes at the behest of Azam Khan and the authorities are also going to charge him. Superintendent of police Shagun Gautam said they are investigating the matter and soon a charge sheet will be filed in court. The work of compilation of evidence regarding the statements made by the accused against Azam Khan is in progress.

The Aasra Awas Colony was built in Dungarpur during Samajwadi Party rule and Azam Khan was then the minister of urban development in the state government. There were already houses of some people in the area, which were demolished, stating that the land belonged to the municipality.

The SP has alleged that the BJP government is taking action against the Rampur MP by adding his name to fake cases. To protest against this, Akhilesh Yadav is all set to embark on his Cycle Yatra from Rampur to Lucknow between March 13 and 21.

During the 2012 assembly elections, Akhilesh had gone on a similar road trip across the state after which the Samajwadi Party had come to power with a thumping majority. On this yatra, the SP chief will have to travel at least 40 kilometres a day.

As per the schedule, on March 12, a press conference on the matter will be conducted at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, Rampur. The next day, state president Naresh Uttam Patel will flag off the Cycle Yatra from Ambedkar Park, Rampur to Bareilly. On March 14, SP leader Ramgovind Chaudhary will flag off the yatra from Mirganj, Bareilly, which will head towards Katra. Akhilesh’s bicycle will reach Shahjahanpur from Katra on March 16 and Maigalganj from Shahjahanpur on March 17. The next day it will be in Sitapur where, on March 19, former state minister and senior SP leader Ahmad Hassan will flag off the yatra. On March 21, the trip will culminate at the SP headquarters in Lucknow where Yadav will address a gathering as well.