In a surprise move,Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Azam Khan has nominated Khwaja Haleem,who was expelled from the SP by Chief Minister and state party president Akhilesh Yadav for anti-party activity last month,as a member of the State Haj Committee. Khan is the chairman of the committee which consists of 13 members and has the responsibility of managing the affairs of the Haj pilgrimage for devotees from the state. The step is seen as an attempt by Khan to send a message to the SP leadership. Recently,Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh had nominated Imam Syed Ahmed Bukharis son-in-law Umar Ali Khan as a ruling party candidate for the Legislative Council elections in spite of Khans stiff opposition. Haleem was expelled by Akhilesh on the charge of opposing the ruling partys official candidate in the Assembly elections. While Khan could not be reached,Haleem said,I have received the information that I have been made a member of the Haj Committee,but I had not asked Azam Khan to nominate me. I will accept the offer with all humility. Party spokesperson Rajendra Choudhary refused to comment. It concerns national leadership and they will deal with it, said Choudhary.
