Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from the post of national convener, saying he still needs greater political maturity before being entrusted with major responsibility.
The decision was announced at a meeting of the party’s national office-bearers in Lucknow on Thursday. Mayawati said Anand would continue to work in the BSP but would not be given any major organisational responsibility until he becomes more mature politically.
The move marks another setback for Anand, whose political career in the BSP has seen repeated changes in responsibility over the past two years. His latest removal comes as the BSP prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Anand had been elevated to the post of national convener in August 2025, a position considered second only to that of the party president. His elevation had been seen as a major step in Mayawati’s efforts to build a younger leadership and strengthen the BSP ahead of the 2027 polls.
First setback in 2024
Anand was first removed from key party responsibilities during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
On May 7, 2024, Mayawati removed him as the BSP’s national coordinator and withdrew his status as her political successor. At the time, she said Anand needed greater political maturity and experience.
However, the decision was subsequently reversed. Anand returned to the party’s organisational structure in June 2024 and his responsibilities were restored.
Removed again in March 2025
The second major setback came in March 2025.
On March 2, Mayawati again relieved Anand of his party responsibilities. She also announced that she would not name anyone as her political successor during her lifetime.
A day later, on March 3, Anand was expelled from the BSP.
At the time, Mayawati accused Anand of coming under the influence of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, and adopting an attitude that was against the interests of the party.
Anand was subsequently brought back into the BSP and was given a key organisational role.
In August 2025, Mayawati elevated him to national convener, placing him in one of the most important positions in the party.
Mayawati’s stand on family politics
Mayawati has repeatedly stressed that the BSP should not be seen as a party dominated by family politics.
She has taken organisational decisions involving members of her own family and close relatives, including her brother Anand Kumar. He was earlier removed as BSP vice-president, although he later continued to hold important responsibilities in the organisation.
The issue of succession has also remained sensitive within the BSP. Mayawati had previously declared that she would not name a successor during her lifetime.
Her latest decision concerning Anand again puts the question of the BSP’s future leadership in focus.
Ashok Siddharth also faced action
Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, has also faced repeated disciplinary action from Mayawati.
Siddharth was expelled from the BSP in February 2025. Mayawati had accused him of factionalism, indiscipline and attempting to weaken the party organisation.
He was subsequently brought back but was again expelled in August 2026.
The repeated action against Siddharth and Anand indicates Mayawati’s continuing effort to maintain direct control over the BSP’s organisation and leadership structure.
What next for Akash Anand?
For now, Anand remains a member and worker of the BSP but has been kept away from any major organisational responsibility.
The timing of the decision is significant. The BSP is preparing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and is attempting to rebuild its organisation and reconnect with its traditional support base as well as younger voters.
Anand had been projected as one of the party’s younger faces and had taken part in political campaigns aimed at strengthening the BSP among young voters.
His latest removal, however, once again leaves his political role and future within the party uncertain.
For Mayawati, the immediate priority appears to be keeping the party organisation firmly under her control while preparing the BSP for the crucial 2027 Uttar Pradesh election.
