Mayawati Appoints Nephew Ishan as National Convener Ahead of UP Polls

Party Shift

BSP chief Mayawati has named her nephew Ishan Anand as the party's new national convener, reversing her earlier statement that neither of her two nephews would hold party positions. The announcement took place on Wednesday during a meeting of national office-bearers in Lucknow. Ishan, who is 25 years old and holds a master's degree in law, touched Mayawati's feet for blessings at the meeting and was given a front-row seat alongside senior leaders, including his father and party vice-president Anand Kumar.

Background

This appointment comes just five months before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Before entering active politics, Ishan managed family-run hotels and a pharma distribution business, staying away from politics while his elder brother Akash Anand was active in the party. Akash previously served as the national convener but was removed from all responsibilities earlier this month. Mayawati stated on X on September 20 that Akash's conduct and activities after his marriage led to his removal, adding that if Akash or his sister engage in serious activity against the party later, no other member of that family will get a post, and a Dalit worker will be elevated instead. Days before naming Ishan to the new post, Mayawati had briefly appointed him as the chief sector coordinator before removing him within a week, and had earlier declared that both nephews would stay out of politics entirely.