Mayawati signals Akash Anand’s possible return if father-in-law quits politics
Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has indicated that the party may reconsider restoring responsibilities to Akash Anand if his father-in-law and former BSP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Siddharth gives up his political ambitions and completely retires from politics.
She said Siddharth should rise above personal and family interests to enable Anand to work independently within the party.
In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, Mayawati said the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab are approaching and hold special significance for the BSP and the broader Bahujan movement inspired by Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of transforming the “Bahujan society” from the oppressed to the ruling class.
She said party workers, office-bearers, supporters and well-wishers are working with complete dedication and sacrifice to secure a strong electoral outcome in these states.
She noted that the Bahujan community, the BSP, and the Ambedkarite movement are facing serious challenges from rival political parties and caste-based forces, particularly over issues such as reservation.
She appealed for support from all sections of society and urged members of the Dalit community not to pursue personal or family interests that could hinder the movement’s objectives. She warned that history would not forgive actions that obstruct the cause.
Mayawati said the BSP leadership has been carefully evaluating the conduct and behaviour of individuals while deciding on their inclusion in the party.
At the same time, disciplinary action has been taken against those who create obstacles in the party’s path, citing Ashok Siddharth as a prominent example.
According to Mayawati, Siddharth was given several opportunities to reform but continued to place his personal and family interests and political ambitions above the BSP’s mission.
She said the consequences of his actions were borne not only by him but also by his son-in-law, Akash Anand.
She further alleged that Siddharth had not shown adequate concern for either Akash Anand’s political future or the BSP movement.
Given his position, she said, Siddharth should have set an example of sacrifice and commitment before the party and society, but the opposite had occurred.
Mayawati said that, keeping in mind the interests of the party and the movement, as well as the future of his own family and Akash Anand, Siddharth still has an opportunity to renounce his political ambitions and retire completely from politics.
She added that only then would Akash Anand be able to work freely within the party, and the BSP could sympathetically consider restoring his responsibilities. She said there is broad consensus within the party in favour of such a course of action.