In a significant political move, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party for the second time. This decision follows his recent removal as the chief national coordinator, despite earlier indications that he could return to a leadership role after his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from active politics. However, Siddharth’s announcement of retirement did not sway Mayawati, who declared that Anand is now fully relieved of his duties within the BSP.
Mayawati has expressed dissatisfaction with Siddharth and Anand, accusing them of prioritizing personal and familial interests over the party’s goals and the Ambedkarite movement. She criticized Siddharth’s delayed retirement as a sign of unchanged intentions and questioned Anand’s dedication to the BSP. This latest expulsion marks another chapter in Anand’s tumultuous journey within the party, which has seen him removed and reinstated multiple times. He was first ousted as national coordinator in May 2024 following a controversy during the Lok Sabha election campaign but was reinstated and reappointed to the role in May 2025.
Mayawati, who is 70 years old, has introduced her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party leaders, possibly hinting at a shift in succession planning. Despite calls within the party for younger leadership, she has reiterated her commitment to leading the BSP and overseeing crucial aspects of the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, including candidate selection, campaign strategy, and fundraising. Anand was previously being groomed as her political heir, having been named national coordinator in 2019 and officially designated as her successor in December 2023.
The decision to expel Anand comes at a critical time as the BSP gears up for the 2027 polls. His recent activities included addressing rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar, indicating his active involvement in party affairs until this recent turn of events. Mayawati’s leadership continues to face the challenge of balancing experience with the demand for youthful representation within the party’s ranks.