Dhurandhar Impact: Ex-SP MLA Pooja Pal Makes Explosive Claim, Says Gangster Atiq Ahmad Financed Akhilesh Yadav

Lucknow: Former Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Pooja Pal has alleged that gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad financed the Akhilesh Yadav-led party in Uttar Pradesh. This comes as blockbuster Bollywood movie 'Dhurandhar-2', which is still in theatres, portrays a character called 'Atif Ahmad', who is purportedly inspired by the real-life gangster. 

Pooja Pal, whose husband ex-MLA Raju Pal was murdered in broad daylight in 2005, said the movie has brought to light the truth of the connection between Atiq Ahmad and Samajwadi Party (SP). Notably, Atif Ahmad was accused in the murder of Raju Pal.

'Atiq Worked Under SP's Protection'

Pooja Pal alleged that under the canopy of Samajwadi Party (SP), Atiq Ahmad was hollowing the country from within. “Atiq was not only my culprit. He murdered my husband and spoiled my life. He had also spoiled the lives of thousands of families. Atiq committed murders, damaged society by turning youth into criminals through drug trade,” she added.

“Under the protection of Samajwadi Party, Atiq and his gang started a fake note operation and played with the security of our nation….Samajwadi Party was aware if all the activities of Atiq Ahmad," Pooja Pal alleged.

She further claimed that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav did not like the investigations against Atiq. She alleged that Atiq Ahmad was a “huge financier” of SP, hence, Yadav was unhappy with the murder of the gangster. 

“That's why [SP MP] Ram Gopal Yadav is saying that when they come to power, Atiq's murder will be avenged. Though these words are of Ram Gopal Yadav, but the thoughts are of Akhilesh Yadav The whole system of the party works for the protection of murderers and criminals," she claimed.

‘Dhurandhar’ CM

Pooja Pal also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling him a “Dhurandhar CM”, who has ended the reigns of gangsters like Atiq Ahmad and Mukhtar Ansari in the state. Notably, Pal had been expelled from Samajwadi Party (SP) in 2025 for praising Adityanath for delivering justice to her after Ahmad was killed.

The ex-MLA stated that if the SP was in power today, she would have been killed by now. 

‘Dhurandhar A Paid Propaganda’: SP

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has labelled Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar-2’ a “paid propaganda”. In an apparent attack against the ruling party, Akhilesh Yadav said, “You're making films by spending money to defame other parties; I think too much money has reached these people.”

Atiq Ahmad was shot dead on live TV by three assailants while being taken for medical examination by police. The murder took place in 2023 in the presence of police officers.

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