The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), once a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh politics, is undergoing a major leadership restructuring under party chief Mayawati. Her recent decision to remove her nephew and heir-apparent Akash Anand from all positions—and later expel him from the party—has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. In the wake of this move, Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam and Mayawati’s brother Anand Kumar have emerged as key figures in the party’s new power structure, both being appointed as national coordinators. This strategic realignment signals a shift in the BSP’s approach ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Why is Mayawati betting on Ramji Gautam?
Ramji Gautam, a low-profile but highly trusted leader, has been with the BSP for decades and is considered one of Mayawati’s most loyal aides. His elevation is being seen as part of an effort to reinforce the party’s core Dalit voter base while sidelining elements seen as politically inexperienced or controversial.
Political analyst Arvind Mohan explains, “By choosing Ramji Gautam, Mayawati is signaling that loyalty and commitment to the BSP’s ideology will be prioritized over dynastic politics. She wants to reassure workers and core supporters that the party remains focused on its original mission.”
Another analyst, Rajiv Ranjan, notes that Gautam’s appointment could also help counter the perception that the BSP is losing ground in Uttar Pradesh’s caste-driven politics. “The BSP has been struggling since 2014, and its Dalit-Muslim voter base has fragmented. Gautam is being promoted as a disciplined leader who can reconnect with the traditional BSP support base,” he says.
The BSP, which once held power in Uttar Pradesh, has seen a steep decline in electoral fortunes over the past decade. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the party managed to win only one seat, while in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it secured 10 seats, a marginal improvement due to an alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP). However, the alliance soon collapsed, leaving the BSP politically isolated.
Currently, the BJP dominates Uttar Pradesh politics, while the SP has positioned itself as the primary opposition party. The BSP, once seen as a strong alternative for Dalit and backward-caste voters, has struggled to maintain its traditional voter base, many of whom have shifted to the BJP or SP.
Senior journalist Manoj Bhadra states, “The BSP’s biggest challenge today is its shrinking organizational strength and loss of influential grassroots leaders. Unlike Akhilesh Yadav’s SP or the BJP’s cadre-driven model, the BSP lacks a strong second-rung leadership. This is why Mayawati is now betting on trusted leaders like Ramji Gautam.”
Who is Ramji Gautam?
Ramji Gautam hails from Lakhimpur Kheri and was born on June 1, 1976. A member of the Jatav community, he has been a part of the BSP since his early years and gained recognition for his organizational skills in Banda district, where he served as the party coordinator. His rise in the party has been steady, and in 2018, he was appointed as BSP’s national vice president, a position of significant influence.
Mayawati has publicly referred to him as her “brother”, emphasizing their close working relationship. His new role as national coordinator places him in a pivotal position to help revive the party’s structure and electoral prospects.
One of the most crucial tests for Gautam will be strengthening the BSP’s grassroots presence, which has eroded over time. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections delivering another poor performance for the party, all eyes are now on the 2027 Assembly elections, where the BSP will have to redefine its strategy to remain politically relevant.
Political expert Ashish Awasthi believes that Gautam’s biggest challenge will be regaining Dalit votes that have shifted to the BJP. “The BJP has successfully co-opted a section of Dalit voters by offering them a mix of welfare schemes and Hindutva politics. For the BSP, the task is not just to bring back its core supporters but also to offer a compelling narrative that differentiates it from the BJP and SP,” he explains.
Mayawati’s political strategy: A course correction?
With Akash Anand’s removal, Mayawati has made it clear that she alone will remain the undisputed leader of the BSP. Many see this move as a course correction, where she is focusing on seasoned and tested leaders rather than promoting younger, less experienced figures.
However, some believe this strategy may backfire, as it suggests a lack of a long-term succession plan. “The BSP has to prepare for the future, and sidelining young leaders entirely may not be a sustainable approach,” says Rajiv Ranjan.
Nevertheless, with Ramji Gautam’s rise, the BSP is attempting to rebuild its traditional vote base while sending a strong message that the party values loyalty and discipline over family ties.
As the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh evolves, all eyes will be on Mayawati and her trusted lieutenants to see if they can steer the BSP back to electoral success or if the party will continue to struggle in a two-party-dominated state.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
