No one to be Mayawati’s successor till she is alive

In yet another major decision, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, on Sunday, stated that no one will be declared her successor while she is alive and removed her nephew, Akash Anand, from his roles as her political heir and party’s national coordinator. 

Following a crucial party meeting, the BSP chief also appointed Anand’s father and party general secretary Anand Kumar, along with Rajya Sabha member Ramji Gautam as the new national coordinators.

Mayawati emphasised that the development of Uttar Pradesh’s Bahujan community is essential not only for the state’s progress but for the advancement of the entire country.

She also outlined plans for the upcoming celebrations of BSP founder Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary, reaffirming the commitment of the party to his ideology.

Speaking about Kanshi Ram’s principles, Mayawati said while he never opposed family members working in the party, he was clear that if any of them misused his name to harm the party or the movement, he would immediately remove them.

In line with this principle, she announced that after expelling Ashok Siddharth from the party, his son-in-law Akash Anand has also been removed from all party responsibilities.

Mayawati accused Ashok Siddharth of causing division within the party by creating factions that weakened the BSP’s organisational strength. She cited recent instances, including events surrounding his son’s wedding, as examples of his attempts to undermine the party. This, she said, was unacceptable and had led to his expulsion.

Akash Anand’s removal, Mayawati explained, was a necessary step given the influence his father-in-law could have on him. She suggested that Siddharth’s actions had already started affecting Anand’s political approach in ways that were not in the best interests of the party. Holding Siddharth entirely responsible, she claimed that he not only damaged the BSP but also derailed Akash Anand’s political career.

To stabilise the party’s leadership, Mayawati announced that Anand Kumar, who has been serving as BSP national vice-president, will now also take on the role of national coordinator. Additionally, Rajya Sabha member Ramji Gautam has been appointed as a national coordinator to further strengthen the party’s organisational structure. 

Mayawati expressed confidence in Anand Kumar’s ability to manage party affairs, stating that he had never disappointed her and had remained loyal to the BSP’s mission.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, Mayawati emphasised strengthening the BSP at all levels, including the level of grassroots workers, and directed party functionaries to intensify their outreach efforts.

She addressed key national issues, including inflation, unemployment, poverty, and law and order, highlighting how these problems have worsened under the current government.

She criticised both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments for making tall promises but failing to deliver meaningful change, adding that their policies have primarily benefited capitalists while neglecting the needs of marginalised communities.

Mayawati expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, rising debt, and inadequate welfare schemes. She accused the ruling governments of using emotional and religious sentiments to divert public attention from real issues. She also condemned the policies that have weakened the reservation system, affecting the rights of Dalits, tribals and Other Backward Classes.

Mayawati reiterated BSP’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development, stating that the party will continue working to uplift the deprived sections of society.

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on expanding the party’s influence nationwide and strengthening its organisational framework.

In December 2023, Mayawati had declared Akash Anand as her successor, assigning him the role of national coordinator. Akash Anand, who holds an MBA degree from London, assumed this crucial position as the BSP sought to rebuild and strategise for future elections.

In May last year, Mayawati removed Akash Anand from the position, citing his need to gain “maturity” before taking on the role of national coordinator. Despite this, she affirmed that Anand Kumar, Akash Anand’s father, would maintain his position within the party. Akash Anand’s reinstatement was decided during a review meeting to analyse the party’s poor showing in the recent elections.

The BSP did not win any seats, marking the worst performance in its history. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BSP had secured 10 out of 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh, contesting in alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.

The meeting, chaired by Mayawati, included Akash Anand, BSP leaders, party coordinators and district unit presidents from Uttar Pradesh.