Lucknow, Oct. 11 -- In a move seen by political observers as a ploy to put pressure on the Samajwadi Party leadership and keep the door open for any possible future political realignment, senior SP leader Azam Khan on Friday caused a flutter in political circles by praising Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati.

Azam Khan's comments came a day after Mayawati, who addressed a rally in Lucknow on Thursday, negated the buzz about the possibility of him joining her party.

Speaking at a press conference in Rampur, Khan said, "Mayawati is a mass leader. I respect her a lot. If she has received any information through the media that has caused her distress, I am regretful. I can meet her whenever I want."

"She is a prominent politician of th...