Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 25 : Over the expelled Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA's letter to Akhilesh Yadav alleging "danger to her life," Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Sunday said that Pooja Pal belongs to the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), which have lot of "anger" against the SP after the entire episode.
Rajbhar claimed that there was a lot of anger among the EBCs against the Samajwadi Party after Pal alleged "danger to her life".
"Pooja Pal comes from the EBCs, so there is a lot of anger among them against the Samajwadi Party. She suspects that her life is in danger from people in the SP. Her statement is well thought out," Rajbhar told ANI.
He further backed the expelled SP MLA for her remarks, where she credited the Yogi Adityanath government for bringing her justice in relation to the murder of her husband.
"It is certain that the people of the Samajwadi Party are enraged because what Pooja Pal said in the House was 100 per cent correct that if the murderers of her husband were brought to justice by anyone, it was the Yogi government, and the entire state, the entire country knows this," Rajbhar said.
Days after being expelled from the Samajwadi Party, Chail MLA Pooja Pal addressed a letter to party chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of strengthening criminal elements within the organisation by "insulting and deserting her midway", adding that her ouster was not just a personal matter but also an effort to silence the concerns of the state's backward classes, Dalits, and economically weaker sections.
Pal, who was expelled from the party earlier this month, wrote to Yadav on Saturday, stating that if anything happens to her, the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav should be "held responsible."
In her letter, the expelled MLA said that she is being subjected to severe trolling on social media and is also receiving life threats. She added that her only aim of receiving justice for her husband's murder is fulfilled, and now, even if she dies, it won't matter.
She ended her letter stating that if anything happens to her, the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav should be held responsible.
Responding to this, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that Pal's claims of "life threats" raise serious concerns and need an impartial investigation. He added that his party has sought justice through the Centre, expressing hope that the Union Home Ministry would ensure her safety.
Yadav said, "Here we could be sent to jail. BJP supporters will kill us. If anyone suspects a danger from someone, it should be investigated to identify those individuals within the organisation who pose a threat. This investigation is necessary. We cannot trust the Government of Uttar Pradesh with this. That is why we have written this letter to the Home Minister of the Central Government. We are hopeful that they will ensure justice."
"He also questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that Pal had been associated with the Samajwadi Party for years and had not faced any threats. "For many years she was with us, then she had no threat from anyone," the SP chief added.