The Samajwadi Party (SP) finds itself in a complex situation in two Lok Sabha constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, namely Rampur and Moradabad, as multiple candidates have filed their nominations, causing a stir within the party.

In both Rampur and Moradabad, there is more than one candidate claiming allegiance to different factions within the SP. One faction supports senior party leader Mohd Azam Khan, while the other is reportedly backed by SP President Akhilesh Yadav.

In Moradabad, Akhilesh Yadav had renominated S T Hasan, the incumbent MP, as the official party candidate, and Hasan has already filed his nomination papers. However, sources indicate that Azam Khan has opposed Hasan's candidature and expressed his dissent to Akhilesh Yadav during a recent visit to Khan in jail.

Azam Khan suggested the name of Ruchi Veera for the Moradabad seat, and Veera subsequently filed her nomination papers on Wednesday as per Akhilesh Yadav's instructions. Consequently, Moradabad now has two SP candidates vying for the same seat.

A similar scenario is unfolding in Rampur, where Akhilesh Yadav endorsed Maulana Mohibullah Nadwi, the Imam of the Jama Masjid at Parliament Street, as the official party candidate. However, on the last day of nomination filing, Asim Raza, a close associate of Azam Khan, submitted his nomination papers, claiming to be the rightful SP candidate for Rampur.

The situation in Rampur became tense as party workers threatened to boycott the elections if their preferred candidate was not fielded.

In efforts to resolve the crisis, senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav has departed for Sitapur to meet with Azam Khan in jail, indicating ongoing internal tensions and power struggles within the Samajwadi Party ahead of the elections.