BSP Supremo Mayawati Reinstates Nephew Akash Anand After Public Apology, Clarifies Position on Successor

In a significant turn of events within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), party supremo Mayawati reinstated her nephew, Akash Anand, after he publicly apologized for his previous actions and pledged his commitment to the party’s welfare. This move comes after Akash’s controversial expulsion from the BSP in the midst of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BSP had removed him from his post as national coordinator due to alleged political immaturity and his outspoken opposition to the party’s direction.

Akash Anand’s Public Apology and Return to BSP

Akash Anand, who had previously been considered a potential successor to Mayawati, found himself in hot water when he was accused of being too aggressive in his anti-BJP campaigning. Reports indicated that his actions had violated party norms, leading to his removal. In an effort to mend relations and secure his return, Akash posted a series of apologetic messages on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret for his mistakes and vowing to remain loyal to the party.

1. श्री आकाश आनन्द द्वारा एक्स पर आज अपने चार पोस्ट में सार्वजनिक तौर पर अपनी गलतियों को मानने व सीनियर लोगों को पूरा आदर-सम्मान देने के साथ ही अपने ससुर की बातों में आगे नहीं आकर बीएसपी पार्टी व मूवमेन्ट के लिए जीवन समर्पित करने के मद्देनजर इन्हें एक और मौका दिए जाने का निर्णय।

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) April 13, 2025

He acknowledged his errors, particularly a tweet that led to his expulsion, and reassured his aunt, Mayawati, that he would no longer allow personal relationships, particularly with his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth, to interfere with his political duties. “I consider respected sister Ms. Mayawati, the National President of BSP, as my only political guru,” Akash wrote in his public statement. “I promise that I will not let my relations, especially my in-laws, become an obstacle in the welfare of the party.”

1. बी.एस.पी की राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष, यू.पी. की चार बार रही मुख्यमंत्री एवं लोकसभा व राज्यसभा की भी कई बार रही सांसद आदरणीया बहन कु. मायावती जी को मैं अपना दिल से एकमात्र राजनीतिक गुरू व आदर्श मानता हूं। आज मैं यह प्रण लेता हूं कि बहुजन समाज पार्टी के हित के लिए मैं अपने रिश्ते-नातों…

— Akash Anand (@AnandAkash_BSP) April 13, 2025

Mayawati’s Clarification on the Issue of Successor

Despite Akash’s return, Mayawati made it clear that he would not be designated as her successor. She emphasized her own health and determination to continue leading the BSP, quelling any speculation about the dynastic succession within the party. In a statement, Mayawati reiterated her position, stating that Akash’s reinstatement was based on his apology and commitment to party principles, not a consideration for succession.

Mayawati also took a strong stance on the involvement of Akash’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, in anti-party activities. She firmly stated that Siddharth’s actions were “unforgivable” and that he had played a key role in damaging Akash’s political career. According to Mayawati, Siddharth’s attempts to influence Akash negatively were a major reason behind the initial expulsion. “He has done everything to ruin Akash’s career and will not be taken back into the party fold,” Mayawati declared.

The Controversy Over Akash Anand’s Political Immaturity

Akash Anand’s controversial exit from the party was not just a result of his ties to Ashok Siddharth, but also his alleged political immaturity. BSP leaders had expressed concerns over his public criticism of the party and his failure to toe the official party line. This led to his removal from his post as national coordinator during a crucial phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Several reports pointed to his aggressive campaigning against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a contributing factor to his downfall.

In his heartfelt apology, Akash took responsibility for his actions and promised to abide by the decisions of the party and respect its senior leadership. “I will learn from the experiences of senior leaders and will ensure that I do not repeat any mistakes that would hurt the dignity of the party or respected sister,” he pledged.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Akash Anand and BSP?

Akash Anand’s return to the BSP signals a potential shift in the party’s internal dynamics. While Mayawati has firmly stated that he will not be her successor, his reinstatement could play a crucial role in shaping the party’s future direction. The reinstatement of Akash reflects the BSP’s ongoing efforts to maintain internal unity and discipline while navigating the complexities of political strategy in Uttar Pradesh.

As Mayawati continues to lead the party with a firm hand, all eyes will be on how Akash Anand adapts to his renewed role within the BSP. His actions in the coming months will likely influence not only his political future but also the party’s standing in the highly competitive political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

The reinstatement of Akash Anand within the BSP, following his public apology and promise to uphold party values, marks a critical moment in the party’s internal politics. While Mayawati has made it clear that Akash will not be her successor, his return could impact the party’s political strategies, especially as the BSP continues to navigate challenges in Uttar Pradesh politics. Akash’s commitment to party unity and his pledge to prioritize the welfare of BSP will be closely watched as the party looks to move past recent controversies.