Azam Khan was convicted by a special MP-MLA court in Rampur over controversial remarks allegedly made during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign.
May 16, 2026: In a major political development from Uttar Pradesh, senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been convicted in the “Tanakhiya statement” case by a special MP-MLA court in Rampur. The case relates to remarks allegedly made during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign in the Bhojipura area, where Khan was accused of making objectionable comments targeting the then district magistrate. The court held that the statements violated legal provisions and found the veteran politician guilty.
The verdict comes as another setback for Azam Khan, who is currently lodged in Rampur jail and facing multiple ongoing legal cases. The court is expected to announce the quantum of punishment soon, with legal experts indicating that the maximum sentence in the matter could extend up to three years. Over the past few years, both Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan have faced several convictions and pending cases, significantly affecting their political standing.
The latest ruling is likely to have a major political impact in the state, especially within the Samajwadi Party, where Azam Khan continues to remain an influential figure despite his prolonged absence from active politics. Supporters of the SP leader have described the cases against him as politically motivated, while critics maintain that the judiciary is acting strictly on the basis of evidence and due process. The conviction has once again triggered debate around political speech, election conduct and accountability of public representatives in India.