Pooja Pal is a prominent political figure and MLA representing the Chail seat in Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh. She recently became the center of political controversy after praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government in the state assembly, specifically lauding the administration's "zero tolerance" approach that brought justice to many women and impacted criminals like Atiq Ahmed. This praise led to her expulsion from the Samajwadi Party (SP) the very next day.

Background of Pooja Pal

• Political Journey: Pooja Pal first entered politics in 2007, initially as a member of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). She won the assembly seat of Allahabad West by defeating Ashraf Ahmed, brother of Atiq Ahmed, a mafia figure accused in her husband’s murder.

• Personal Tragedy: Her late husband, Raju Pal, was an MLA from Allahabad West and was murdered in broad daylight in 2005, just 10 days after their marriage. Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were accused in the case.

• Electoral Record: Pooja was elected MLA twice from BSP but lost in the 2017 elections. Later, she joined the Samajwadi Party and in the 2022 assembly elections, won the Chail seat from Kaushambi district.

The Incident and Political Fallout

During a discussion on the "Developed UP 2047" vision in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Pooja Pal praised CM Yogi Adityanath’s government, especially the zero tolerance policy against crime which helped her as a victim’s family member seek justice. She credited the government with bringing criminals like Atiq Ahmed to justice and empowering women.

Her public appreciation of CM Yogi, who is from the rival BJP, was not received well by her party. The Samajwadi Party expelled her the very next day, citing her comments as betrayal.

Pooja Pal’s Statement

After her expulsion, Pooja Pal stated that she represents the voice of the poor and helpless women who elected her. She expressed that her gratitude towards the Yogi government was genuine and that “when the right thing is done, it should be acknowledged.” She also accused her former party leader, Akhilesh Yadav, of not supporting her during her difficult times and alleged his association with criminal elements.

Currently, Pooja Pal denied any immediate plans to join the BJP despite her praise of CM Yogi.