Lucknow (UP), March 2: Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has once again removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from all positions within the party. This decision was followed by the appointment of Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as the National Coordinators of the BSP.
In a press release on March 2, Mayawati explained the expulsion of Akash Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, from the party, citing "factionalism" as the primary reason. She stated, “As a loyal and honest follower of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, I have expelled Ashok Siddharth, in the interest of the party. He has engaged in activities that weakened the party, creating divisions within the organization across the country, including Uttar Pradesh. This behavior is intolerable, evident even during his son’s wedding.”
Mayawati also commented on the relationship between Akash Anand and Ashok Siddharth, noting that Akash’s connection with Siddharth’s daughter raised concerns about the influence Siddharth might have on his son-in-law. “Given these circumstances, I felt it was necessary to remove Akash Anand from all party responsibilities. While the party itself is not to blame, his father-in-law’s actions have damaged Akash Anand’s political career and caused harm to the party,” she further explained.
Mayawati then announced that Anand Kumar would resume his duties as the party’s National Coordinator and continue to carry out party work during her visits to Lucknow and other locations. She praised Anand Kumar for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the party, stating, “He has never let me down and has not caused any harm to the party or the movement.”
This marks the second time Akash Anand has been removed from significant party positions. In June 2024, Mayawati had appointed him as her sole successor and entrusted him with the role of National Coordinator. However, amid the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mayawati had also temporarily relieved him of all key party positions on May 7, 2024, citing his "immaturity."
