Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has once again expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party. This decision comes shortly after she had stripped him of his role as chief national coordinator. Despite prior indications that Anand might be reinstated if his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from active politics, Mayawati declared that Anand is now completely free from all party responsibilities following Siddharth’s announced retirement.
In her latest comments, Mayawati criticized both Siddharth and Anand for allegedly prioritizing personal and family interests over the party’s mission and its Ambedkarite movement. She suggested Siddharth’s delayed decision to retire indicated unaltered intentions, while Anand’s commitment to the party remained questionable. This marks another reversal for Anand, who has faced a series of ups and downs within the BSP. He was initially removed as national coordinator in May 2024 and lost his standing as Mayawati’s political successor after controversial remarks during the Lok Sabha election campaign, only to be reinstated later and reappointed as chief national coordinator in May 2025.
Last week, Mayawati stated that Anand still lacked the necessary maturity for significant party roles, which has now led to the introduction of her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior members of the BSP. Akash Anand had been groomed as a potential successor to Mayawati and was named national coordinator in 2019 before being formally announced as her political heir in December 2023. His latest expulsion comes as the BSP gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, during which Anand had recently been active, addressing rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Despite the internal calls for younger leadership within the BSP, Mayawati, at 70, remains resolute in her leadership role. She has affirmed her commitment to overseeing key aspects of the party’s strategy for the upcoming 2027 elections, including candidate selection, campaign management, and fundraising efforts. This steadfast approach underscores her intention to maintain her influence and direction over the party she has led for decades.