In a significant development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), leader Mayawati has once again removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party. This follows his recent ousting as chief national coordinator. Despite Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, announcing his retirement from politics, Mayawati has made it clear that Anand is now fully relieved from all responsibilities within the BSP. This decision underscores Mayawati’s stance that personal interests should not overshadow the party’s mission and its Ambedkarite movement.
Previously, Mayawati had suggested the possibility of Anand reclaiming an organizational role, contingent on Siddharth’s exit from politics. However, she criticized the delay in Siddharth’s retirement, suggesting unchanged intentions and casting doubt on Anand’s dedication to the party. This move marks the latest in a series of reversals for Anand, who was first removed as national coordinator in May 2024 and stripped of his role as Mayawati’s political successor due to controversies during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Although he briefly reclaimed his position in 2025, the current expulsion seems definitive.
Mayawati’s decision to introduce her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party members further indicates a shift in the party’s internal dynamics. Despite being groomed as her successor since his appointment as national coordinator in 2019 and being officially named her political heir in December 2023, Akash Anand’s trajectory within the BSP has been fraught with challenges. His recent expulsion comes at a critical time as the party gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, following his public appearances at rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
At 70, Mayawati remains at the helm of the BSP, emphasizing her commitment to lead the party through the upcoming electoral cycle. She has reiterated her determination to oversee candidate selection, campaign strategies, and fundraising efforts for the 2027 elections, even amidst internal calls for younger leadership. Her latest actions reflect a strategic approach to consolidate her leadership and the party’s focus as it prepares for the electoral challenges ahead.