Decks cleared for Azam\'s return to Samajwadi Party

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party on Wednesday announced cancellation of Azam Khan\'s expulsion, paving the way for the return of the prominent Muslim leader to the party. It\'s now a mere formality, and may be only a matter of time, said senior SP leaders. A written communication has been sent to Azam informing him about the decision.



Though Azam Khan denied having received any intimation from the party in this regard, he said he would give it a serious thought. \"I have high regards for party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav,\" he told TOI on Wednesday. About his return to the party-fold, Azam said it would depend on the Mashwarat Committee - an organisation of Muslim intellectuals across the state.



Azam said all his political decisions had always been in accordance with the opinion of the Mashwarat Committee. \"They have already formed a five-member team to discuss a wide range of issues including what Mulayam has said on Tuesday,\" Azam said, adding \"the team is expected to submit its report within the next 10 days.\"



Earlier in the day, senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav had told mediapersons that the party had cancelled Azam\'s expulsion in accordance with the demands of the partymen. On Tuesday, party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had said that he would do everything to get Azam Khan back into the party. \"He has founded the party. All differences with him will be sorted out soon. I am ready to address all the issues that had prompted him to leave the party. I will got to Rampur myself and bring him along,\" Mulayam said.



Senior SP leaders on Wednesday welcomed the party\'s move to cancel Azam\'s expulsion. State president of the party Akhilesh Yadav said that Azam had been an important part of the party since day one. \"He has been there through all the highs and lows. His contribution is extremely important for the party,\" Akhilesh said.



A founder member of the SP, Azam started drifting away after Mulayam Singh joined hands with former BJP leader Kalyan Singh just before the 2009 Lok Sabha
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