Lucknow, August 14, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Pooja Pal publicly thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for delivering justice in the murder case of her husband, former BSP MLA Raju Pal. The emotional address, delivered during a 24-hour marathon discussion on the ‘Vision Document 2047’, sparked significant political controversy, leading to her expulsion from the SP for “anti-party activities.”

Pooja Pal, representing the Chail constituency in Kaushambi, credited CM Yogi’s “zero-tolerance policy” against crime for the elimination of notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was responsible for her husband’s murder. “Everyone knows who murdered my husband. I want to thank the Chief Minister for bringing me justice and hearing me when nobody else did,” she said, addressing the Assembly. “The Chief Minister has buried my husband’s murderer Atiq Ahmed. Today, the entire state looks at the CM with trust.”

Background of the Raju Pal Murder Case

Raju Pal, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA, was brutally assassinated in broad daylight in Prayagraj on January 25, 2005, just nine days after his marriage to Pooja Pal. The murder, allegedly orchestrated by Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed, came shortly after Raju Pal defeated Ashraf in a by-election for the Allahabad West constituency. The killing sent shockwaves through the region, cementing Atiq Ahmed’s reputation as a feared mafia don.

Pooja Pal, widowed at a young age, took up the mantle of seeking justice for her husband. She entered politics, eventually winning the same constituency in 2007, and has been a vocal advocate for action against criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Over the years, she faced significant challenges, including death threats from Atiq’s associates, particularly after the murder of Umesh Pal, a key witness in her husband’s case, in February 2023.

The Turning Point: Atiq Ahmed’s Elimination

On April 15, 2023, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead by assailants posing as journalists while being escorted by police for a medical examination in Prayagraj. The dramatic encounter marked a significant moment in Uttar Pradesh’s crackdown on organized crime under CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration. Pooja Pal, in her Assembly speech, lauded this as a direct result of the state’s zero-tolerance policy, stating, “My husband’s killer Atiq Ahmed was eliminated under this policy. The Chief Minister gave justice to many women like me in Prayagraj by punishing criminals.”

She further highlighted the broader impact of the policy, noting that “countless families in Prayagraj had suffered like hers” and that the Yogi government’s tough stance had restored hope and safety. “When I grew tired of fighting, CM Yogi Adityanath stepped in to ensure justice,” she added, emphasizing the personal significance of the government’s actions.

Political Fallout: Expulsion from Samajwadi Party

Pooja Pal’s remarks, while heartfelt, were seen as a direct affront to the Samajwadi Party’s leadership, particularly SP president Akhilesh Yadav. Her praise for a rival party’s leader and her implicit criticism of the SP’s handling of her case led to swift repercussions. On August 14, 2025, the SP expelled her from the party, citing “anti-party activities and indiscipline.” Akhilesh Yadav’s letter to Pooja Pal stated that she had been removed from all party posts and would no longer participate in SP programs.

The expulsion was not entirely unexpected. Pooja Pal had previously shown signs of rebellion, including supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. Her public endorsement of CM Yogi further embarrassed the SP, especially during a high-profile Assembly session.

Continued Defiance and Advocacy

Undeterred by her expulsion, Pooja Pal doubled down on her stance. In a statement following her removal, she said, “Perhaps you could not hear the women in Prayagraj who were even more worried than me. But I am their voice. I have been elected as an MLA and sent to the Assembly. I am the voice of mothers and sisters who have lost their loved ones.” Her remarks underscored her commitment to representing the victims of crime in Prayagraj, regardless of party affiliations.

Pooja Pal’s history of seeking security from CM Yogi further contextualizes her gratitude. In February 2023, following the murder of Umesh Pal, she met the Chief Minister to request Y+ security for herself and her family, citing ongoing threats from Atiq Ahmed’s gang. She had expressed fears for her safety, noting that witnesses in her husband’s murder case were being targeted. The Yogi administration’s assurance of protection and subsequent actions against Atiq Ahmed solidified her trust in the government’s commitment to law and order.

Public and Political Reactions

Pooja Pal’s speech quickly went viral, with videos circulating widely on social media platforms. Her candid praise for CM Yogi was seen as a rare instance of cross-party acknowledgment, highlighting the effectiveness of the BJP government’s anti-crime measures. However, it also intensified political tensions, with the SP accusing her of betraying party values.

The broader context of Uttar Pradesh’s law enforcement under Yogi Adityanath has been a subject of both praise and criticism. Supporters credit the zero-tolerance policy with dismantling criminal networks, while critics argue it has led to controversial encounters. Pooja Pal’s case, however, has become a focal point for those who view the policy as a necessary step toward justice for victims of organized crime.

A Legacy of Resilience

Pooja Pal’s journey from a grieving widow to a prominent MLA is a testament to her resilience. Her fight for justice, spanning nearly two decades, has now culminated in a public acknowledgment of the state’s efforts to address her pain. While her expulsion from the SP marks a significant shift in her political career, her focus remains on advocating for the vulnerable in Prayagraj.

As Uttar Pradesh continues its push for law and order, Pooja Pal’s story resonates as a powerful narrative of justice, perseverance, and the impact of governance on individual lives. Her words in the Assembly—“Today, the entire state looks at the Chief Minister with confidence”—reflect a sentiment that may shape public and political discourse in the days to come.

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