Mayawati, leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from all party positions for the second time in a year, citing factionalism. The Samajwadi Party criticized her for not supporting the next generation, questioning her leadership decisions amid ongoing electoral struggles. Spokesperson Ashutosh Verma highlighted the inconsistencies in Mayawati’s approach, stating that such abrupt changes raise doubts about her commitment to the party’s future. Additionally, Mayawati expelled her brother-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, accusing him of creating divisions within the party. Her actions have led to speculation about her family’s influence on BSP dynamics.
Lucknow:
The recent decision by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati to remove her nephew and political successor from all party positions has drawn criticism from the Samajwadi Party, which questioned her commitment to fostering the next generation. “In recent days, we have observed some unusual choices by Behenji regarding her party,” stated Ashutosh Verma, spokesman for the Samajwadi Party, which is in opposition to the BSP.
He summarized the events, stating, “Akash Anand was appointed as the national coordinator; then, during the Lok Sabha elections, he was deemed immature and dismissed; following the elections, he was reinstated, and now once again, he has been removed.”
“If decisions are constantly shifting like this, it raises questions about leadership… it also prompts inquiries into Behenji’s determination to contest elections and her reluctance to support the new generation,” he remarked, poking fun at the BSP, which is presently facing challenges in Uttar Pradesh.
“Mayawati ji is now entangled in family matters… her entire family is in turmoil,” remarked state Congress chief Ajay Rai.
Akash Anand, once seen as Mayawati’s political successor, has been dismissed from all party roles for the second time within a year. Mayawati has attributed this to internal party conflicts. She previously dismissed Mr. Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, accusing him of creating divisions within the party.
In a statement released today, Mayawati expressed, “As an honest and loyal follower and successor of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, I have expelled Ashok Siddharth, who is also Akash Anand’s father-in-law, from the party for the sake of the party’s interests. His reprehensible act of fracturing the party into two factions across the country, including Uttar Pradesh, is absolutely unacceptable, and this was evident during his son’s wedding.”
In May 2024, Mayawati had stripped Akash Anand of all significant party roles, branding him as “immature.” However, just a month later, she affirmed his position as the party’s National Coordinator, reinforcing his status as her political heir.