Mayawati expels Akash Anand from Bahujan Samaj Party

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has expelled her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party, removing him from both his organizational roles and primary membership. The decision follows a period of internal tension regarding Anand’s political priorities and his perceived preference for family ties over the party’s interests.

The expulsion occurred shortly after Anand’s father-in-law, former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddharth, announced his retirement from politics and social life. Mayawati had previously suggested that Siddharth’s exit from active politics was a necessary condition for the party to reconsider restoring responsibilities to Anand. While Siddharth complied with the request, Mayawati stated that his decision was “taken very late” and that Anand’s perceived “double-minded” approach made his continued role in the party untenable.

Mayawati criticized Anand for failing to show loyalty to the party movement, specifically citing his failure to repost her social media communications regarding Siddharth. This leadership shake-up comes as the BSP prepares for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.