A question was being asked in hushed tones within the Samajwadi Party for a long time – who will be the biggest Muslim face of the party after Azam Khan? Rampur’s veteran leader Azam Khan, who was once the pivot of SP’s politics, is today facing legal cases and behind bars. In such a situation, the biggest challenge before Akhilesh Yadav is to find a leader who will not only be accepted by the Muslim society, but whose image will be effective in the entire Uttar Pradesh. Now the name of Kairana’s young MP Iqra Hasan is emerging rapidly in this race.
Is it easy to get a stature like Azam Khan?
After Azam Khan goes to jail, Samajwadi Party is feeling a big void on the Muslim leadership front. During the era of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Azam Khan’s status was so much that he was called for rallies not only in UP but also in other states. According to senior journalist Asif Raza Jafri, Azam Khan had a special art—his speeches were balanced and he enjoyed a degree of acceptance even among Hindus. Mulayam Singh tried to promote many leaders from Mehboob Ali to Kamal Akhtar, but no one could become a personality like Azam Khan.
Is Iqra Hasan the ‘new bet’ of SP?
Kairana MP Iqra Hasan’s name is at the top in the market of discussions. Iqra Hasan is the ‘spork’ who presents the image of a modern Muslim leader. Iqra’s speeches, which returned from studies in London, are not only restrained, but also do not contain any trace of communalism. His Parliament videos often go viral on social media, which shows his hold. Journalist Jafri believes that Akhilesh Yadav can field Iqra for rallies across the state in the 2027 assembly elections. Although Azam Khan’s stature is very huge, Iqra shows the potential that can attract today’s generation.
‘Iqra’ shines in Bihar elections also
Iqra Hasan’s popularity is not limited to UP only. During the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, he campaigned vigorously for the India Alliance in many districts including Siwan. When he sought votes for Shahabuddin’s son Osama Shahab in Raghunathpur, the sharpness of his speech made headlines in Seemanchal areas of Bihar as well. Due to his youthful image and outspoken style, he is very popular among the youth. There are often rumors floating around on social media regarding her personal life (Nikah), which she herself has been denying.
Strategy to connect women voters
Putting forward Iqra Hasan could also be a well-thought-out political strategy of SP. In response to the way BJP is trying to woo Muslim women through triple talaq law and welfare schemes for women, Iqra Hasan can put forward the party’s point in a better way by emerging as a ‘strong female Muslim face’. Will SP’s minority base become stronger with this move of Akhilesh Yadav? Only time will tell, but it is certain that Iqra Hasan has now become not just a local leader but a prominent face of SP on the national stage.
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