In a dramatic turn of events, Pooja Pal, the MLA from the Chail Assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh, has been expelled from the Samajwadi Party. During the monsoon session of the assembly, she openly praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The party viewed this as an act of indiscipline and opposition, leading to her ousting. This episode has pushed Pooja Pal back into the limelight.
The expulsion happened after her public appreciation of CM Yogi Adityanath during the session caught viral attention on social media. The party deemed it a breach of discipline, showing her the door. This marks a significant turn in her political journey.
It is noteworthy that her spouse, Raju Pal, was a BSP legislator, tragically murdered mere days after their wedding in 2005. The crime was attributed to the feared mafia don Ateeq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf. Despite the terror he inspired in Prayagraj, Pooja Pal courageously continued her husband's fight for justice.
Political Journey and BJP Association
Despite lacking political experience, Pooja Pal won the election from the city west assembly seat. She served twice as an MLA from BSP before joining the Samajwadi Party, under whose ticket she was elected thrice. Recently, she has shown support for the BJP, aligning with its firm stance against mafias, yet she has not formally joined the party.
Beyond being a prominent leader, Pooja Pal is a significant representative of the 'Pal Biradari,' advocating for the community's rights and dignity both on streets and in the assembly.
Witness Umesh Pal in the Raju Pal Murder Case
Umesh Pal, a crucial witness in Raju Pal's murder case, was also killed in a heinous attack last year. Months later, accused Ateeq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf faced fatal gunfire in Prayagraj. Ateeq's son Asad was also killed in a police encounter involving the incident.
Highlighting her views, Pooja Pal expressed support for CM Yogi Adityanath's zero-tolerance stance against violence towards women, which significantly diminished the terror of mafia leaders like Ateeq Ahmed. She maintained her loyalty to her party while acknowledging the CM's impactful decisions.
A Voice for Women, Before an MLA: Pooja Pal
Post-expulsion, Pooja Pal criticized the Samajwadi Party, arguing that her expressions mirrored the anguish of women much troubled by the current crisis. As a chosen legislator, she vowed to be the voice for all those mothers and sisters who endured loss and hardship. She emphasized that CM Yogi brought justice to all affected by Ateeq Ahmed's actions in Prayagraj, not just herself.
Reaffirming her convictions, she stated, “I became an MLA later; at first, I am a victimized woman and a wife. We couldn't withstand the occurrences inflicted on us... They talk about PDA, and I belong to a backward community... I was forced out of my home because my husband was murdered in broad daylight... I stood alone as a new bride in a deserted abode... To them, it’s proof of standing strongly against what they claim as PDA.”
