Former Samajwadi Party MP clarifies viral photo with BJP leaders

Dr. S.T. Hasan addressed the controversy surrounding a viral photograph that captured him alongside BJP leaders at what appeared to be an official setting. According to Hasan's clarification, the image was taken on September 29 at a railway station where he was waiting in the VIP lounge after the Vande Bharat train experienced a delay.

Hasan explained that the BJP leaders arrived at the waiting room during the same period, leading to the photograph that subsequently circulated on social media. The former Samajwadi Party MP emphasized that the encounter was purely circumstantial and not indicative of any political realignment or coordinated activity.

Addressing concerns about potential party defection or political alignment, Hasan stressed the importance of maintaining civility across party lines despite ideological differences. "Political differences are natural and have their place, but this should not preclude courteous relations among individuals," he stated in his clarification.

The incident underscores the heightened scrutiny of political interactions in Uttar Pradesh, where the Samajwadi Party and BJP remain principal political adversaries ahead of forthcoming electoral contests.