Uttar Pradesh MLA Pooja Pala, widow of slain BSP legislator Raju Pal and a three-time MLA, has raised grave concerns about her safety in a heartfelt letter to SP leader Akhilesh Yadav. She warned, ‘I may be killed like my husband,’ and added that if anything were to happen to her, SP leaders should be held responsible.
Expelled from the SP for Praising Yogi Adityanath
On August 14, 2025, Pooja Pal was expelled from the Samajwadi Party for praising the action of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his crackdown on the mafia and also for voting for BJP candidates during discussion for Rajya Sabha seats. The comments that she made regarding her having received justice in relation to the murder of her husband were seen as insubordination by the Party.
Accusations Against SP Leadership
In her open letter, Pal conveyed her emotional distress about being expelled without being afforded the opportunity to defend herself. She accused the party of supporting certain communities over others, and alleged that backward classes, extremely backward communities, and Dalit communities were treated discriminatorily in the SP organization compared to their Muslim communities, albeit some were accused of crimes.
A Journey of Justice, Not Power
Pooja Pal noted that her political journey was never about self-interest and that she ventured into politics only to serve the cause of justice for her husband Raju Pal, who was ruthlessly murdered years prior. She expressed feelings of betrayal later after relying on the leadership of the SP to offer her a contract against crime, only to be humiliated and ignored.
Political Backlash after Expulsion
Pooja Pal met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who initiated political discussion about her potential political affiliations down the line after her expulsion from the SP. BJP leaders exceeded her expulsion to PROVE that the Samajwadi Party is anti-women, with one leader stating that Pooja Pal is now legally free to join any other party.
Unyielding in the Face of Danger
At the end of her letter, Pooja Pal declared that she could die, but, facing threats to her safety and political pressure, she would die with dignity. She stated that she would continue the fight with the support of her community behind her.
