Yesteryear heroine and former MP Jayaprada started weeping as soon as she recalled those horrible days when she was forced to leave Rampur. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan threatened me with an acid attack if I don’t leave Rampur, said Jayaprada, who is contesting as MP candidate for the fourth time from Rampur Lok Sabha constituency.

Jayaprada during an election public rally in Rampur constituency, Uttar Pradesh, narrated how she was pushed out of her constituency. The actor-turned-politician received grand support from public and BJP leaders who continuously shouted: “Jayapradaji sangharsh karo, hum aapke saath hai.” When this is translated into English, it reads, Mrs Jayaprada you continue your fight and we’re with you.

Jayaprada offered prayers in a temple in Rampur before filing her nomination. The former MP, who’s celebrating her 57th birthday, said BJP has given me my birthday gift by fielding me in Rampur constituency. “I received threatening calls before joining BJP. But, I strongly decided to join BJP and this is an ideal platform to serve Rampur people. The reason for leaving Rampur was the threat from Azam Khan, who cautioned me with an acid attack if I don’t leave Rampur. Now, I have BJP strength behind me and I have the support of Rampur people. I don’t need to cry once again.”

Jayaprada won as Lok Sabha candidate from Rampur constituency in 2004 and 2009 on SP ticket. However, she lost to Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate in 2014 election. SP is fielding Azam Khan against Jayaprada. Interestingly, Azam Khan is the person, who campaigned for Jayaprada in the 2004 elections. Subsequently, political equations changed drastically and friends became foes in Rampur constituency.