In a significant development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), leader Mayawati has once again expelled her nephew, Akash Anand, 31, from the party. This decision follows closely on the heels of Anand’s removal from his position as chief national coordinator. Notably, this expulsion comes despite the recent retirement announcement from active politics by Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth. Mayawati had previously suggested that Anand might be considered for an organizational role if Siddharth stepped back from politics. However, following Siddharth’s retirement, Mayawati declared that Anand was now fully relieved of his duties and ties with the BSP.
Mayawati has been vocal in her criticism of both Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and familial interests over the party’s goals and its Ambedkarite movement. She expressed skepticism over Siddharth’s delayed retirement, suggesting it indicated unchanged intentions, and questioned Anand’s dedication to the BSP. This expulsion marks another chapter in Anand’s tumultuous political journey. His first removal from the national coordinator role occurred in May 2024, accompanied by his demotion from being Mayawati’s political heir after controversial remarks during the Lok Sabha election campaign. He was reinstated shortly thereafter and reappointed as chief national coordinator in May 2025.
Last week, Mayawati remarked that Anand still lacked the necessary maturity to undertake significant organizational responsibilities. In a move that signals potential shifts in party dynamics, she introduced her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior BSP leaders. Akash Anand, who had been groomed for years as Mayawati’s successor, was first appointed as national coordinator in 2019 and was formally designated her political heir in December 2023. His recent expulsion comes at a critical time as the BSP gears up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, during which Anand had been active, addressing rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Despite the internal calls for younger leadership, Mayawati, at 70, has reaffirmed her commitment to leading the BSP. She has made it clear that she will continue to oversee crucial aspects of the party’s activities, including candidate selection, election campaigning, and fundraising efforts for the upcoming 2027 polls. As the BSP navigates these internal changes, Mayawati’s leadership remains at the forefront, steering the party through its preparations for the future electoral challenges.