Mayawati Announces Nephew Akash Anand’s Return To BSP After His Public Apology – News18

Last Updated:April 13, 2025, 20:56 IST

Akash Anand was expelled from the party last month, when Mayawati accused him of not showing political maturity and being influenced by his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth.

On March 3, 2025, BSP supremo Mayawati expelled her nephew, Akash Anand (in pic), from the party, a day after stripping him of all responsibilities, including his role as national coordinator. (PTI)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday announced the return of her nephew Akash Anand back into the party a month after he was expelled in a major reshuffle. This came after Akash publicly apologised to Mayawati and appealed her to take him back into the party.

Akash, who was once touted as Mayawati’s political successor and was even appointed as BSP’s national coordinator, was removed from all party posts and expelled from the BSP, citing “anti-party activities”. Mayawati had accused Akash of being influenced by his father-in-law and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Siddharth, who was also previously expelled from the party. This happened after several BSP leaders attended the wedding of Ashok Siddharth’s son against Mayawati’s explicit orders.

After Akash was served a show-cause notice, his “lengthy” response irked Mayawati, who said he did not show any remorse or political maturity, but selfishness and arrogance under the influence of his father-in-law. She said that Anand’s political career had been affected by Siddharth, as he may still be exerting influence on him through his daughter, Pragya, Akash Anand’s wife.

On Saturday, Akash wrote on X that he considered Mayawati as his sole political mentor and idol. “I take this vow today that I will not let my relations and especially my in-laws become an obstacle for the benefit of BSP,” he said.

Akash also apologised for a tweet that was the main reason for his expulsion from the party. “From now on I will ensure that I will not take any advice from any relative or advisor for any of my political decisions,” he wrote, saying he will only follow the guidelines set by his aunt and senior party members.

“I appeal to respected sister (Mayawati) to forgive all my mistakes and give me a chance to work in the party again, for this I will always be grateful to her. Also, I will not make any such mistake in future which will hurt the self-respect and self-esteem of the party and respected sister,” he added.

After Akash’s apology, Mayawati took to X to announce that she had decided to give him another chance in view of his admission of mistakes and giving full respect to seniors, while not giving in to his father-in-law’s words and dedicating his life to the BSP. “I am healthy now and as long as I am healthy, like Kanshi Ram ji, I will continue to work for the party and the movement with full dedication and commitment. In such a situation, there is no question of appointing someone as my successor,” she said.

This was the second time Akash Anand had been relieved of his responsibilities. The first occurred in May of last year during the Lok Sabha elections, but he was reinstated in both roles by Mayawati in July.

There was widespread speculation over Akash’s expulsion – some party insiders said it was his modern approach that led to his downfall, while others claimed his opponents in the BSP played a role in his dismissal. Over the years, several senior leaders who had carved a niche for themselves were abruptly expelled.

Mayawati’s decision, especially at a time when Akash was gradually gaining traction among Dalit youths, has drawn criticism from political analysts and opposition parties alike. The Samajwadi Party (SP) was quick to mock the move, questioning why she was not allowing the next generation to take charge.

Location :

Uttar Pradesh, India, India