Pooja Pal, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Samajwadi Party, was expelled from the party on Thursday for what was termed 'anti-party activities' and 'serious indiscipline.' The expulsion came just hours after she publicly praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his 'zero-tolerance' policies and credited him for delivering justice in a personal matter.
During a discussion in the state assembly, Pooja Pal, the MLA from Prayagraj, lauded Chief Minister Adityanath, stating that his policies had helped women like her receive justice.
She specifically thanked him for taking action against criminals like Atiq Ahmed, whom she accused of being responsible for her husband's murder. "I want to thank the Chief Minister for giving me justice when no one else listened," she said. Her husband, Raju Pal, a former BSP MLA, was shot dead in 2005.
Shortly after her remarks, a formal expulsion letter was issued, signed by Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav and dated August 14. The letter stated that despite receiving prior warnings, Pooja Pal had continued her activities, causing 'considerable harm to the party.' It clarified that she has been removed from all party positions and will no longer be invited to any party programmes or meetings.
Her comments in the assembly prompted sharp reactions within the Samajwadi Party. The party's Chief Whip, Kamaal Akhtar, described her statement as a personal matter and suggested that if she disagreed with the party's stance, she should not have remained a member.
In contrast, UP Minister JPS Rathore praised the Chief Minister's actions, stating that Pooja Pal's grievances were finally addressed after years of suffering related to crimes committed by Atiq Ahmed.
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