Mayawati 'frees' newphew Akash Anand from BSP after his father-in-law quits politics
BSP chief Mayawati has officially removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party following the retirement of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth. Mayawati cited a lack of political maturity and a preference for family ties over party interests as the primary reasons for the decision.
Why it matters
This move marks a significant shift in the leadership structure of the Bahujan Samaj Party, highlighting internal tensions and succession challenges.
BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday (September 10, 2026) said her nephew Akash Anand has been "completely freed" from the party, shortly after his father-in-law and former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Siddharth announced his retirement from politics.
The development came a week after the BSP removed Mr. Anand as its national coordinator at a national-level meeting of party office-bearers in Lucknow on September 3. Ms. Mayawati had then said he needed greater political maturity and would not be given major organisational responsibilities for the time being.
She questioned whether Mr. Anand, whose personal and family interests she said appeared to outweigh his political career and the party's interests, could effectively work for the BSP while remaining "double-minded".
Ms. Mayawati said Mr. Anand's failure to repost her earlier X post showed his greater attachment to family ties than the BSP and its movement.
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