Mayawati Removes Akash Anand from Key BSP Posts, Declares No Successor Will Be Named

Mayawati Removes Akash Anand: In a major shake-up within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), party supremo Mayawati has removed her nephew Akash Anand from all key positions. Addressing a high-level meeting of party office-bearers from across the country, she declared that she would not name a successor during her lifetime.

Mayawati, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized that the party’s interests would always take precedence over personal relationships. This move comes after she had previously dismissed Akash Anand last year, only to reinstate him later and designate him as her political heir.

BSP Leadership Reshuffle

In addition to removing Akash Anand, Mayawati announced significant changes within the party’s leadership. She appointed her brother, Anand Kumar, and Ramji Gautam as BSP’s national coordinators. According to a party statement, Mayawati held Akash Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, responsible for his removal. Siddharth was expelled from the BSP last month on charges of factionalism and anti-party activities.

“Siddharth divided the BSP into two groups across the country and attempted to weaken it. He also ruined the political career of Akash Anand,” Mayawati stated. She reaffirmed her decision not to name a successor, stressing that the party and its mission were of utmost importance.

Mayawati also lauded Anand Kumar’s contributions, stating that he had dedicated himself to the party’s administrative and legal affairs. She highlighted his commitment, mentioning that he had quit his government job to serve the BSP and had cared for party founder Kanshi Ram during his illness. Kumar, she noted, had chosen to marry his children into non-political families to avoid conflicts of interest within the party.

Strengthening BSP and Criticism of Government Policies

The meeting focused on strengthening the BSP at all levels, broadening its support base across diverse communities, and addressing organizational shortcomings. Mayawati highlighted key socio-economic concerns, including rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty, criticizing both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments for their failure to address these issues.

“The government’s budgets are unrealistic and disconnected from ground realities. Policies have failed to uplift millions of poor, laborers, Dalits, and backward communities,” she stated. She further added that despite India’s economic growth, the country continues to struggle with poverty.

Commitment to Ambedkarite Ideals and Party Plans

Reiterating the BSP’s dedication to BR Ambedkar’s ideals, Mayawati asserted that the party would continue working for the upliftment of marginalized communities. The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming birth anniversary celebrations of Kanshi Ram on March 15. Party workers from different regions are expected to pay tribute at various memorial sites, including the Kanshi Ram Memorial in Lucknow and Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida.

Targeting the Samajwadi Party and BJP

Mayawati took aim at the Samajwadi Party (SP), citing its recent defeat in the Milkipur Assembly bypoll. She questioned whom the SP would blame for its loss, as the BSP had not contested the election. Criticizing both the SP and the BJP, she remarked, “The SP and BJP are two sides of the same coin. Only the BSP, with its Ambedkarite policies, can challenge the BJP and caste-based politics.”

With these sweeping changes, Mayawati aims to consolidate the BSP’s position ahead of upcoming political battles, reinforcing its commitment to social justice and party discipline.