Outside the jail, hundreds of SP workers and supporters gathered to welcome the 77-year-old leader. Over the past seven years, the veteran SP leader has faced dozens of FIRs on a wide spectrum of charges. Welcoming the development, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said the release was a “matter of relief and joy” for Khan, his family, and supporters. Yadav thanked the judiciary for “upholding faith in justice” and reiterated that the party would withdraw cases against Khan if it returned to power. The SP stands firmly with him and will continue the legal battle against BJP’s persecution,” he asserted.