BSP candidate selection and expulsions

In late July 2026, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati announced the finalisation of candidates for roughly 25 of the 403 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, stressing that all decisions rested with her and that the party would contest the election alone.

In early August, Mayawati used her X account to expel former Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Siddharth and party coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal for repeated indiscipline. Siddharth, who is the father‑in‑law of Mayawati’s nephew and had previously been removed during the Maharashtra Assembly elections before being reinstated on conditional terms, was cited for ongoing misconduct that could sabotage the BSP’s campaign. Mayawati said he will not be readmitted to the party.

She also reinstated Ramji Gautam as BSP in‑charge for Punjab and other states and reiterated that senior officials from other states would not receive roles in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring her sole authority over candidate selections and party discipline ahead of the upcoming election.