In a decisive move, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has once again expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party, following a recent decision to remove him as the chief national coordinator. This marks the second instance of Anand’s expulsion, which comes shortly after his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from active politics. Despite earlier hints that Anand could reassume a role within the organization post-Siddharth’s retirement, Mayawati has now declared Anand completely free from any responsibilities within the BSP.
Mayawati’s decision stems from her criticism of Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and familial interests over the BSP’s objectives and its Ambedkarite mission. She expressed skepticism over Siddharth’s belated retirement, suggesting that it reflected unchanged intentions, and raised questions about Anand’s dedication to the party’s cause. This latest expulsion adds to a series of ups and downs for Anand, who was initially removed from his national coordinator position in May 2024 amidst controversy during the Lok Sabha election campaign, only to be reinstated and reappointed to the role in May 2025.
Last week, Mayawati highlighted Anand’s lack of maturity needed for significant organizational responsibilities, while simultaneously introducing her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party figures. Akash Anand had been groomed as Mayawati’s successor, having been named national coordinator in 2019 and declared her political heir in December 2023. However, his most recent expulsion occurs as the BSP gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, following Anand’s involvement in rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Despite internal calls for younger leadership, Mayawati, at 70, insists on retaining her leadership role within the BSP. She has affirmed her commitment to overseeing the party’s candidate selection, election campaign, and fundraising efforts for the upcoming 2027 polls. The expulsion of Anand marks a significant shift as the party strategizes for future electoral challenges, with Mayawati at the helm ensuring the continuity of her leadership and vision for the BSP.