In a significant political move, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has once again expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party, following his earlier removal as chief national coordinator. This decision comes shortly after his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, declared his retirement from active politics. Although Mayawati had previously suggested that Anand might be reinstated in an organizational capacity upon Siddharth’s retirement, she has now confirmed that Anand is entirely free from any duties related to the BSP.
Mayawati has openly criticized Siddharth and Anand, suggesting that they prioritized personal and familial interests over the ambitions of the BSP and its Ambedkarite movement. She noted that Siddharth’s delayed exit from politics indicated unchanged intentions, and she questioned Anand’s dedication to the party. This latest action follows a string of reversals for Anand, who was first ousted as national coordinator in May 2024 amid controversy during the Lok Sabha election campaign but was later reinstated to the role in May 2025.
Despite having been prepared as Mayawati’s successor for many years, Akash Anand now finds himself sidelined once more. His political journey saw him become national coordinator in 2019 and formally named as her political heir in December 2023. His current expulsion coincides with the BSP’s preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, even as Anand had recently participated in rallies in Hathras and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Mayawati has remarked on Anand’s lack of maturity needed for handling significant organizational roles, and she has introduced her younger nephew, Ishan Anand, to senior party members as a potential new face. Notwithstanding calls within the BSP for younger leadership, Mayawati, at 70, remains steadfast in her commitment to lead the party. She has emphasized her role in overseeing candidate selection, election strategy, and fundraising efforts for the upcoming 2027 polls.