Lucknow, August 23, 2025 – In a shocking claim, expelled Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Pooja Pal accused SP chief Akhilesh Yadav of being responsible if she is harmed, escalating tensions in Uttar Pradesh’s political scene. The statement follows Pal’s ousting from the party on August 14 for praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s tough stance on crime. Pal’s remarks, shared in a letter and a post on X, have stirred controversy and raised questions about safety and party politics.
Pal, a three-time MLA from Chail, Kaushambi, pointed to the 2005 murder of her husband, BSP legislator Raju Pal, allegedly by gangster Atiq Ahmed. She claims the SP protected the culprits during its rule, leaving her family without justice. “My husband was gunned down in broad daylight, and Akhilesh Yadav stood by the killers,” she said in her letter. Pal credits Yogi’s zero-tolerance policy for delivering justice after Atiq and his brother Ashraf were killed in 2023. Her gratitude, expressed during a UP Assembly session, led to her expulsion for “anti-party activities.”
The MLA alleges she’s now receiving threats, fueling her fear for her life. “If I’m murdered, Akhilesh Yadav is the real culprit,” she declared, accusing the SP of sidelining backward and Dalit communities while favoring others. Pal also criticized Yadav for expelling her without a chance to explain, calling it an attempt to silence Dalit voices like hers. She pointed out contradictions, noting that Yadav and his family have supported other parties, including the BJP, when it suited them.
The controversy has deepened with two FIRs filed against a man named Umesh Yadav for derogatory social media posts about Pal, adding to the tension. The SP hit back, with some leaders alleging Pal’s actions, like voting for a BJP candidate in a Rajya Sabha election, betrayed the party. Pal insists her fight is for justice, not politics, and vows to continue serving her people.
Pal’s meeting with Yogi on August 17 has fueled talk of her joining the BJP, though she hasn’t confirmed any move. Her supporters see her as a symbol of resilience, while critics view her claims as a political stunt. “This isn’t about one person, it’s about justice for all victims,” said a Prayagraj resident. As UP’s political landscape heats up, Pal’s bold accusations against Akhilesh Yadav keep the spotlight on issues of crime, loyalty, and power.
