In a significant development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), its leader Mayawati has once again expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party. This marks the second time Anand, aged 31, has been removed, following his recent dismissal from the role of chief national coordinator. The decision comes shortly after Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, announced his retirement from politics, a move that Mayawati had previously suggested could pave the way for Anand’s return to an organizational position within the BSP. Despite these developments, Mayawati confirmed that Anand is now fully relieved of all responsibilities within the party.
Mayawati’s decision to expel Anand seems to stem from concerns over personal and familial priorities overshadowing the party’s interests. She has been vocal in her criticism of Siddharth and Anand, suggesting that their actions have not aligned with the BSP’s Ambedkarite movement. According to Mayawati, Siddharth’s delayed decision to retire indicated unchanged intentions, raising doubts about Anand’s dedication to the party’s cause. This latest move is part of a series of back-and-forth actions involving Anand; he was initially removed from the national coordinator position in May 2024 and was dropped as Mayawati’s political successor due to controversial remarks made during the Lok Sabha election campaign. However, he was subsequently reinstated and later reappointed to the same coordinator post in May 2025.
Despite his earlier grooming as Mayawati’s political heir, Anand has faced ongoing scrutiny from her, particularly regarding his readiness to handle significant organizational duties. This scrutiny has intensified recently, with Mayawati asserting last week that Anand lacks the necessary maturity for major roles. In light of this, she has begun introducing her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party figures, signaling a potential shift in the party’s future leadership dynamics.
Anand’s expulsion coincides with the BSP’s preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, a crucial event for the party. Prior to his removal, Anand had been actively involved in rallying support, addressing gatherings in locations such as Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Despite internal calls for younger leadership within the BSP, Mayawati, who is 70, remains steadfast in her role as the party’s head. She has declared her intention to continue overseeing critical aspects of the party’s operations, including candidate selection, the election campaign, and fundraising efforts for the upcoming 2027 polls.