Lucknow: Akash Anand, a key Bahujan Samaj Party organiser and Mayawati’s nephew, has seen repeated removals and reinstatements since being projected as the leader’s political heir in late 2023.Anand has served as BSP’s national coordinator since May 2019, but his position became uncertain after Mayawati officially named him her political successor in Dec 2023, triggering heightened scrutiny of his public conduct and internal standing.His first major setback came on May 7, 2024, days after he used unparliamentary language during Lok Sabha campaign speeches in Sitapur and Unnao. Police registered an FIR against Anand and 39 others. Mayawati announced on X that “in the larger interest of the party and the movement,” Anand was being stripped of “two significant responsibilities till he attains maturity,” removing him as national coordinator and withdrawing successor status.The decision was reversed on June 23, 2024, when he was reinstated in both roles.On March 2, 2025, Mayawati again removed him as national coordinator and said he would not be her successor. He was expelled the next day, with Mayawati alleging he was “under the influence of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth.”After a public apology, Anand was readmitted on April 13, 2025 and elevated as chief national coordinator. In August 2025, Mayawati created a new national convener post and promoted Anand to it.
