March 4, 2025, Lucknow: In a significant political development, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has expelled her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party. This decision comes shortly after she removed him from all key positions within the BSP, citing concerns over his conduct and influence from his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, who was also expelled earlier for similar reasons.
Akash Anand, once groomed as Mayawati’s political successor, has been a prominent figure in the BSP since his active involvement began in 2017. He was appointed as the party’s national coordinator in June 2019 and was officially declared as Mayawati’s heir in December 2023. However, internal party dynamics began to shift during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when Mayawati removed Akash from his coordinator role due to a hate speech case filed against him in Sitapur. Despite his reinstatement in August 2024, tensions persisted, leading to his eventual expulsion.
The crux of the discord appears to stem from Akash’s growing influence under the guidance of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth. Siddharth, a former Rajya Sabha MP, and long-time BSP loyalist, was accused of operating a parallel power structure within the party. This alleged factionalism did not sit well with Mayawati, who values strict discipline and unity within the BSP ranks. Sources indicate that Akash’s alignment with Siddharth led to decisions and actions that were perceived as challenges to the party’s traditional functioning and leadership.
Mayawati’s decision to expel Akash was further solidified by his response to his removal from party posts. She described his reaction as “selfish and arrogant,” lacking the political maturity expected from someone in his position. In a statement, she emphasized that Akash’s actions were influenced by his father-in-law, which was detrimental to the party’s interests. She stated, “The lengthy response given by Akash is not a sign of remorse and political maturity but is mostly selfish and arrogant… under the influence of his father-in-law.”
In the wake of his expulsion, Akash Anand took to social media to express his sentiments. He acknowledged Mayawati’s decision, stating, “Every decision of Behan ji (Mayawati) is like a ‘patthar ki lakeer’ (carved in stone) for me. I respect and stand by every decision taken by her.” He further added that while the decision left him emotional, it also presented a significant challenge, indicating a long battle ahead.
This internal upheaval within the BSP raises questions about the party’s future trajectory. Mayawati’s firm stance against factionalism underscores her commitment to maintaining the party’s core principles and unity. However, the expulsion of a prominent youth leader like Akash Anand could have implications for the BSP’s appeal among younger demographics. Political analysts suggest that while Mayawati’s actions may seem autocratic, they might reinforce her authority.
As the BSP navigates this internal crisis, the road ahead appears challenging. The party’s ability to reconcile internal differences and present a united front will be crucial in determining its political fortunes in the upcoming electoral cycles. Keep Reading Questiqa.in.
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