In a significant move, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has once again expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party. This decision follows closely on the heels of his removal from the role of chief national coordinator, a position he had held until recently. Despite initial indications that Anand might reclaim an organizational role if his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from active politics, Mayawati announced that Anand is now completely detached from the BSP. This decision came shortly after Siddharth declared his retirement.
Mayawati has been vocal about her concerns regarding Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and familial interests over the welfare of the BSP and its foundational Ambedkarite movement. She expressed skepticism about Siddharth’s motives, pointing to the delay in his retirement as a sign of unchanged intentions, while simultaneously questioning Anand’s dedication to the party’s goals.
This development adds another chapter to the series of ups and downs in Anand’s political journey. He was previously removed as national coordinator in May 2024, following a controversy that erupted over his remarks during the Lok Sabha election campaign. After being reinstated a few months later, he was again appointed as chief national coordinator in May 2025. However, recent evaluations by Mayawati have indicated that Anand still lacks the maturity needed for handling significant organizational duties. In light of these events, Mayawati has introduced another nephew, Ishan Anand, to the party’s senior leaders.
Akash Anand, who was once seen as Mayawati’s political heir, was initially appointed as national coordinator in 2019 and was formally recognized as her successor in December 2023. His recent expulsion comes at a crucial time for the BSP, as it gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. Anand had been active in the political arena, recently addressing rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar, which makes the timing of his removal particularly noteworthy.
Despite internal calls for a younger leadership within the BSP, 70-year-old Mayawati remains steadfast in her decision to lead the party. She has asserted her commitment to overseeing key aspects of the party’s strategy for the upcoming 2027 elections, including candidate selection, campaign management, and fundraising efforts, reinforcing her central role in the party’s future direction.