Pooja Pal meets CM Yogi Adityanath amid SP expulsion storm
The meeting has intensified speculation about shifting political allegiances, especially in the run-up to upcoming elections. Her expulsion letter—which used 'Ms' instead of 'Mrs'—sparked controversy, with critics calling it disrespectful to her identity as a married widow. Now independent, Pooja Pal's next steps could reshape regional power equations.
Expulsion from SP: Zero-Tolerance Praise as the Trigger
On 14 August 2025, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav expelled Pooja Pal for 'anti-party activities' and 'serious indiscipline' after she publicly praised CM Yogi Adityanath during the 24-hour Vision 2047 assembly debate. The expulsion also involved a ban from all party events.
Emotional Justice: Her Husband's Case and Public Praise
Samajwadi Party expelled MLA Pooja Pal met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow(Source: UP CMO) pic.twitter.com/H2Bv99U2SM
Pooja Pal, whose husband Raju Pal was murdered in 2005, credited the CM's 'zero-tolerance' approach for helping secure justice in her case, noting that it helped eliminate the criminals responsible.
Controversy Over 'Ms': Identity and Respect
Rebel SP MLA Rakesh Pratap Singh condemned the use of 'Ms' instead of 'Mrs' in the expulsion letter, calling it an insult to a widow's dignity.
The Meeting: Spark for Political Speculation
On 16 August 2025, expelled from her party, Pooja Pal met CM Yogi Adityanath at his official residence—fueling debate over a possible political realignment.
Opposition's Reaction: Criticism and Support
BJP leaders defended the move, calling her now-independent status a freedom to choose new affiliations, while critics labelled SP's expulsion as anti-women and intolerant of dissent.
What Comes Next: A Political Pivot in UP
Her defiance, combined with the CM meeting, intensifies scrutiny around her next political steps. Analysts now watch if Pooja Pal joins another party—possibly BJP—or builds a new platform of her own.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Akhilesh Yadav says had filed affidavit, shows receipts to counter poll body
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of denying the receipt of affidavits submitted by his party in Uttar a post on X, Yadav presented a receipt and said, 'The Election Commission, which is saying that it has not received the affidavits submitted by the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, should check the acknowledgement issued by its own office as proof of receipt of our affidavits.', Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 17, 2025advertisementHe further demanded that the ECI authenticate the digital acknowledgement it had issued. 'This time we demand that the Election Commission give an affidavit that the digital receipt sent to us is correct, otherwise along with the 'Election Commission', 'Digital India' will also come under suspicion.' Concluding his statement, Yadav remarked, 'If BJP goes, truth will come!'The statement came hours after the Election Commission gave Rahul Gandhi a seven-day deadline to either submit an affidavit with evidence or issue a public apology over "vote chori" Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at a press meet in New Delhi, 'An affidavit will have to be given or an apology will have to be made to the country. There is no third option. If the affidavit is not received within 7 days, it means that all these allegations are baseless.'The Chief Election Commissioner also rejected allegations of double voting and 'vote theft' as baseless. He asserted that all stakeholders are working to make the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) a success in a transparent in the day, Yadav said the Election Commission carried the 'historic responsibility' of safeguarding democracy. 'The Election Commission needs not just reforms but a complete transformation. Today, the historic duty of protecting democracy rests on its shoulders. We understand that it faces various unwarranted pressures, but it must not think it stands alone,' Yadav said in a statement.'When the Election Commission chooses the right course, crores of Indians will stand behind it as its shield. When one walks the path of truth, people and their faith walk along. A single correct and bold step by the commission can ensure the future and well-being of endless generations. Everyone must listen to the voice of their conscience,' he Samajwadi Party chief claimed that his party had submitted 18,000 affidavits on 'vote theft' but the poll body had not acted. 'The list keeps getting longer. There has been no response on the wrongdoings we pointed out, nor on the affidavits we submitted,' Yadav alleged.- EndsWith inputs from InMust Watch
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Maoist leader arrested in AP's Alluri Sitharama Raju district
1 2 Visakhapatnam: The G Madugula police in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district have arrested Chaitho alias Naresh alias Santhu, a divisional committee member and secretary of the Pedabayalu-Korukonda Area Committee of the banned Maoist outfit. The arrest was made during a search operation in the forest area between Rasarayi–Burralapanuku–Chintaguppa villages of Killamkota panchayat in G Madugula mandal. Chaitho, a native of Bhaliaput village in Koraput district of Odisha, was drawn into the outfit in 2011 at the age of 15 through revolutionary songs. According to ASR district superintendent of police (SP) Amit Bardar, Chaitho had a long history of involvement with the Maoists, having joined the Jana Natya Mandali (JNM) and secured party membership in 2012. He worked with the technical wing of the Andhra–Odisha border special zonal committee (AOBSZC) from 2013 to 2016 and was promoted to divisional committee member in 2025. Chaitho was allegedly involved in eight exchanges of fire with police personnel and was found in possession of firearms and Maoist literature. The police seized one 9mm pistol, four rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a .303 rifle with magazine and ammunition, three kits bags, and some Maoist literature from him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Can Get This Generic Viagra for 87¢ - Details Inside Friday Plans Learn More Undo The SP appealed to the remaining Maoist cadres to leave the banned organization, which he described as having an outdated ideology, and urged them to surrender before the police. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone who supports or harbors Maoist party members or engages in anti-social activities. The public was also urged to provide any information about Maoist activities in their area. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
UP well-positioned to emerge asgreen hydrogen prodn hub: CM
Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that green hydrogen represents the "energy of the future" and will play a decisive role in protecting biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving human health. "With abundant water resources, UP is well-positioned to emerge as a hub for green hydrogen production," the CM said. Inaugurating Uttar Pradesh's first and the country's second green hydrogen plant at Khanimpur in Gorakhpur, set up by Torrent Gas and Torrent Power, the CM underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of achieving net zero emissions had set the agenda for sustainable growth. "If we wish to save humanity and civilization, we must minimize carbon emissions. Green energy will be crucial not just for the environment but also for reducing diseases caused by pollution," he said. The Gorakhpur facility will blend green hydrogen with CNG and PNG for domestic and industrial use. The CM cited examples of successful green initiatives such as LED streetlights, which have drastically reduced power consumption and carbon emissions. Stressing on affordability, he said, "Like mobile phones, which were once costly but became accessible to all, green hydrogen will also become cheaper in future." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Highlighting broader environmental concerns, the CM said, "Unchecked exploitation of nature, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and deforestation have led to climate change, irregular rainfall, and rising health problems such as cancer and liver ailments. Greater adoption of natural farming and green energy is required to ensure a sustainable future." Lauding Torrent Group, he said the company has been instrumental in expanding CNG and PNG networks in UP and had brought the state at the forefront of hydrogen-based energy. Torrent Group director Jinal Mehta said, "UP has offered a red carpet, not red tape to investors under CM Yogi." MP Ravi Kishan termed the project a "game-changer" that would script a new energy revolution in Gorakhpur. MLA Pradeep Shukla said such projects were steering UP towards becoming a developed state by 2047. The CM also planted a Rudraksha sapling at the site. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
