Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has made another major move over the role of her family members in the party, putting the spotlight back on the question of succession and organisational responsibility.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Mayawati said her nephew Akash Anand would not be brought back into the BSP, alleging that after his marriage, he came under the influence of his father-in-law, former BSP leader Ashok Siddharth. Mayawati said Akash’s actions had damaged the interests of the party and the Bahujan movement.
According to Mayawati, giving Akash another opportunity in the BSP would amount to a serious breach of trust. She has therefore decided to keep him away from any organisational responsibility.
The BSP chief has also taken a firm position on Akash’s sister, saying she too will not be given a responsibility in the party at this stage.
Ishan Anand Gets Another Opportunity
With Akash and his sister kept away from the organisation, Mayawati has indicated that Ishan Anand, the younger son of her brother Anand Kumar, could be given a respectable organisational responsibility.
However, Mayawati has attached a clear warning to the move. She said that if Ishan is also found involved in activities against the party’s interests, he would face the same consequences.
In that situation, Mayawati said she would not necessarily turn to another member of her family. Instead, a committed and loyal worker from the Dalit community could be given an opportunity to take forward the party organisation.
The development comes after a series of rapid changes involving Mayawati’s nephews. Akash Anand was removed as BSP national coordinator on September 3 and was subsequently relieved from the party on September 10. Ishan Anand’s organisational role has also changed during the recent reshuffle.
Mayawati Invokes Kanshi Ram and Ambedkar
Explaining her approach to family members and party responsibilities, Mayawati referred to the political legacy of Kanshi Ram and Dr BR Ambedkar.
She also cited a letter that Ambedkar wrote to his son Yashwant Ambedkar on February 23, 1956, to underline the principle that public and organisational interests should take precedence over family relationships.
Mayawati’s latest position reflects her stated emphasis on keeping personal and family considerations separate from the functioning of the BSP.
Crucial BSP Meeting on September 23
The next major development could come at the BSP’s upcoming all-India meeting in Lucknow on September 23. The meeting will be the party’s second national-level gathering in a month and comes at a time of significant organisational changes.
The meeting is expected to provide a clearer picture of the party’s organisational structure and the responsibilities that may be assigned to different leaders.
With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election approaching, Mayawati’s latest decisions have also put renewed focus on who will handle the BSP’s organisation and how the party’s leadership structure will evolve.
For now, the BSP chief has made one point clear: family ties alone will not guarantee a political position within the party. Any family member given responsibility will have to demonstrate loyalty to the organisation and its stated mission.
