In a surprising move, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has once again ousted her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party ranks. This decision comes shortly after he was removed from his role as chief national coordinator. The expulsion follows the retirement announcement of Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, who has stepped away from active politics. Mayawati had previously suggested a possible return for Anand to the party’s organizational structure, contingent on Siddharth’s retirement. However, with Siddharth’s exit now confirmed, Mayawati declared that Anand is completely relieved of his duties within the BSP.
Mayawati has been vocal in her criticism of Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and family interests over the party’s goals and its commitment to the Ambedkarite movement. She expressed skepticism about Siddharth’s intentions, citing his delayed retirement as an indication of unchanged priorities, and questioned Anand’s dedication to the party’s cause. This is not the first time Anand has seen reversals in his political journey; he was initially removed as national coordinator in May 2024 and stripped of his status as Mayawati’s political heir following contentious remarks during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Although he was later reinstated and reappointed as chief national coordinator in May 2025, his latest expulsion marks another setback.
Mayawati recently noted that Anand lacks the necessary maturity for significant organizational roles. In the wake of these developments, she has introduced her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior BSP leaders, potentially setting the stage for a new succession plan. Akash Anand’s path had seemed promising; he was appointed national coordinator in 2019 and formally named Mayawati’s political heir in December 2023. Despite his role in party rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar, his expulsion comes at a critical time as the BSP gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.
At 70, Mayawati remains steadfast in her leadership of the BSP, despite internal calls for younger leadership to take the helm. She has reiterated her commitment to overseeing key aspects of the party’s strategy, including candidate selection, election campaigning, and fundraising efforts for the upcoming 2027 polls. Her decision to remove Anand underscores her determination to maintain control and steer the party in the direction she deems most effective for its future.