Mayawati reinstates nephew Akash Anand as BSP national convenor

Mayawati reinstated her nephew Akash Anand as the Bahujan Samaj Party’s national convenor on Monday, October 5, 2026, saying the move serves the party and the movement. The announcement was posted on X, where she wrote that after considerable thought the party decided to give Anand another chance to work. Anand had been removed from the same post on September 3 after Mayawati said he put family and personal interests above party duties, and she had announced his ouster on September 10, calling him "completely free" from the BSP. This is the third time the BSP chief has removed her nephew from the party hierarchy. In the September statements she also noted that Anand’s father‑in‑law, Ashok Siddharth, was compelled to retire from politics. After the recent internal discussions, Mayawati said most party members, his father Anand Kumar and younger brother Ishaan (Ishan) Anand supported his return. She expressed hope that, with Siddharth’s retirement, the party will function smoothly and that there will be no need for repeated organisational changes. Mayawati added that preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls are underway and that the welfare of the entire Bahujan Samaj remains her priority. Anand thanked Mayawati on X, calling her trust a “great responsibility” and pledging to set aside personal interests, work day and night, and follow the path of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram. ## Context The BSP is a major Dalit‑focused political party in Uttar Pradesh; leadership reshuffles often draw attention ahead of state elections, and the 2027 assembly poll is seen as a crucial test for the party’s electoral strategy. Earlier report (2026-10-06 04:35): Mayawati on Monday, October 5, 2026, reinstated her nephew Akash Anand as the Bahujan Samaj Party’s national convenor. She posted on X that after “considerable thought” the party decided the move was in the interest of the party and the movement. The reappointment reverses a September 10 announcement that had set Anand “completely free” from the BSP and a September 3 removal that cited his focus on family and personal matters over party work.

Reaction

Soon after the X post, Akash Anand thanked Mayawati for forgiving him and accepting his return. Mayawati also expressed gratitude to Anand’s younger brother Ishan (Ishaan) Anand and his father Anand Kumar, wishing them a bright political future. She noted that Anand’s father‑in‑law, Ashok Siddharth, had retired from politics, and said the party should now function smoothly without repeated organisational changes. The BSP chief added that the decision considered Anand’s expressed desire to return and the views of party members and his family. Observers had earlier speculated the September ouster was a temporary step to counter accusations of nepotism.

Context

Mayawati’s BSP is gearing up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, promising vigorous preparations that include all sections of society. The party’s internal reshuffle reflects her strategy to maintain discipline and project a broader “Bahujan Samaj” family beyond her own relatives.