In a significant move, 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 his removal from the position of chief national coordinator. Despite earlier indications that Anand might be reinstated if his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from active politics, Mayawati confirmed Anand’s complete departure from the BSP after Siddharth announced his political retirement.
Mayawati has been critical of both Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and familial interests over the BSP’s Ambedkarite mission. She expressed skepticism about Siddharth’s intentions, citing his delayed retirement as evidence, and questioned Anand’s dedication to the party. This expulsion marks another chapter in Anand’s tumultuous political journey, which has seen him removed and reinstated in key roles multiple times. Initially, he lost his position as national coordinator in May 2024 due to controversies during the Lok Sabha election campaign, only to be re-appointed in May 2025.
Last week, Mayawati pointed out that Anand still lacks the necessary maturity for significant organizational roles. As part of her strategic moves, she has started introducing her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party figures. Anand’s journey in the BSP has been closely watched, given his previous grooming as Mayawati’s successor. He was first appointed as national coordinator in 2019 and was officially named her political heir in December 2023. His current expulsion coincides with the BSP’s preparation for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, during which he had been actively addressing rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Despite internal calls for younger leadership, Mayawati, at 70, remains steadfast in her leadership of the BSP. She has announced her intent to lead the party through the upcoming election cycle, overseeing candidate selections, the campaign, and fundraising efforts for the 2027 polls. Her determination to maintain control suggests a continued focus on guiding the party’s direction and strategy amidst the evolving political landscape.