Lucknow: A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Uttar Pradesh politics as Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav expelled one of his party’s female MLAs for publicly praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The MLA’s comments, made during a session in the state assembly, were related to the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed.
The expelled MLA, who has not been named in the reports, reportedly stated in the assembly, “The Chief Minister has done the job of burying Atiq Ahmed, who killed my husband. I thank Yogi Adityanath for giving me justice.” This statement, which lauded CM Adityanath for his handling of the Atiq Ahmed case, was a direct contradiction to the Samajwadi Party’s stance, which has been critical of the state government’s law and order situation.
Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the opposition and the SP’s chief, took swift action following the incident. Citing the MLA’s remarks as a violation of party discipline and a betrayal of the party’s principles, he ordered her immediate expulsion. The SP has consistently criticized the “encounters” and alleged extrajudicial killings under the Yogi Adityanath government, and the MLA’s praise was seen as an endorsement of these actions.
The incident has caused a stir in political circles, highlighting the deep divisions and high-stakes politics in Uttar Pradesh. While the BJP has hailed the action against Atiq Ahmed as a victory for law and order, opposition parties, including the SP, have raised concerns about due process and human rights. The expelled MLA’s statement has brought this debate to the forefront, forcing political parties to take a clear stand on the issue.
The expulsion is seen as a strong message from Akhilesh Yadav to his party members that any deviation from the party line, especially on such a sensitive issue, will not be tolerated. It also underscores the political tightrope walk that leaders must navigate in a state where crime and politics are often intertwined.
