Mayawati’s uncertain successor: The rise and fall of Akash Anand

Signs of Akash Anand’s waning influence became apparent last month when his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, was expelled from the BSP

In yet another dramatic turn within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), its chief Mayawati has removed her nephew Akash Anand from all party positions for the second time in a year. This time, she has replaced him with two national coordinators – his father Anand Kumar and senior party leader Ramji Gautam. The move has raised serious questions about Akash Anand’s political future and the internal dynamics within the BSP.

The decision was announced during a grand BSP meeting in Lucknow, attended by leaders from across the country. The party, struggling to regain its lost political ground in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, took stock of its declining fortunes. Addressing the gathering, Mayawati declared, “As long as I am alive, there will be no heir to the party. Personal relationships hold no value when it comes to the BSP and the Ambedkarite movement.”

Why the Flip-Flop?

Mayawati’s repeated changes regarding Akash Anand’s role stem from a mix of political strategy, internal conflicts, and her apprehension about a possible split within the party. The immediate trigger appears to be her belief that Akash was being influenced by his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, whom she expelled from the BSP for alleged anti-party activities.

Sources indicate that Mayawati fears a factional rift in the BSP, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Ashok Siddharth, a former BSP MP, was seen as a growing influence on Akash, and Mayawati believed he was working to weaken the party. In her latest decision, she has tried to eliminate any potential threat by completely sidelining Akash.

The BSP has been witnessing growing internal discord, and Mayawati’s decision reflects an attempt to consolidate her control. Insiders suggest that she was alarmed by reports of internal divisions allegedly orchestrated by Ashok Siddharth, which might have influenced Akash’s leadership decisions.

Mayawati has a history of maintaining an iron grip over the BSP and does not want any alternative power centers within the party. While she initially projected Akash Anand as her political heir, she later expressed doubts about his “maturity.” His controversial statements during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were seen as damaging, leading to his first removal. His reinstatement in June 2024 suggested a partial comeback, but the latest expulsion underscores Mayawati’s reluctance to hand over the reins to anyone prematurely.

A Checkered Journey

Akash Anand, a University of Plymouth MBA graduate, was once projected as the BSP’s future and Mayawati’s political heir. He entered the political arena before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, spearheading the party’s digital outreach. In late 2023, he was officially designated as BSP’s national coordinator, effectively becoming Mayawati’s number two.

However, in May 2024, just before the general elections, Mayawati abruptly removed him from the position, citing his need for greater "maturity." His father, Anand Kumar, was given the role instead. Following BSP’s disastrous performance in the Lok Sabha elections – where it failed to win a single seat – Akash was reinstated in June 2024. Now, just eight months later, he has been ousted again.

The Build-Up and a Big Hint

Signs of Akash Anand’s waning influence became apparent last month when his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, was expelled from the BSP for anti-party activities. Mayawati, in a pointed post on X, accused Siddharth and another leader, Nitin Singh, of causing internal divisions and damaging the party’s electoral prospects.

Soon after, Mayawati dropped a major hint about her disillusionment with Akash Anand. In a lengthy statement, she reaffirmed her commitment to the Ambedkarite movement and stated that her successor would be someone devoted to advancing the cause, regardless of personal ties. This remark was widely interpreted as a veiled jab at Akash.

A Floundering Political Force

The internal turmoil within the BSP is unfolding against the backdrop of its continuous electoral decline. Once a dominant force in Uttar Pradesh, winning 206 seats in the 2007 Assembly elections, the party was reduced to a single seat in 2022. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BSP secured 10 seats in alliance with the Samajwadi Party. However, in 2024, contesting alone, it failed to win any. New Dalit-centric political forces like the Chandrashekhar Azad-led Azad Samaj Party have further eroded its traditional vote bank.

“With this latest move, Mayawati has sent a clear message: BSP’s survival and ideological purity take precedence over familial ties. Whether this will help the party regain lost ground or further deepen internal strife remains to be seen,” Political analyst Rajinder Kumar said.

Timeline of Akash Anand’s Political Rollercoaster

•December 10, 2023: Mayawati names Akash Anand as her successor and appoints him BSP’s national coordinator.

•May 1, 2024: Akash Anand is removed after making controversial statements during the Lok Sabha elections.

•June 23, 2024: Akash Anand is reinstated ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls.

•February 12, 2025: His father-in-law Ashok Siddharth is expelled from the BSP for anti-party activities.

•March 2, 2025: Akash Anand is removed from all party posts once again.