Why did Mayawati once again expel her nephew Akash Anand? A look inside the BSP’s internal power struggle

Mayawati Expels Nephew Akash Anand Again: Inside the BSP's Turbulent Power Dynamics

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh's political circles, BSP supremo Mayawati has once again removed her nephew Akash Anand from significant party roles, exposing deep fractures within the Dalit-centric party. This marks the second time the young leader, often projected as Mayawati's political successor, has been sidelined, leaving many to wonder about the party's future direction.  

The abrupt decision came during a closed-door party meeting in Lucknow, where Mayawati stripped Anand of his organizational responsibilities and public representation duties without offering a clear explanation. Party insiders suggest the move stems from Mayawati's characteristic insistence on absolute control, combined with growing dissatisfaction over Anand's performance and his perceived deviation from the BSP's core ideology.  

The 29-year-old Anand, educated in London, had been gradually rising through the party ranks, spearheading youth outreach programs and attempting to infuse fresh energy into the BSP's traditional voter base. However, his modern approach and limited grassroots experience appear to have clashed with Mayawati's old-guard leadership style. Political observers note this pattern isn't new – Anand faced similar expulsion in 2021 before being rehabilitated, showcasing Mayawati's mercurial leadership approach.  

The decision has exposed simmering tensions within the party apparatus. While veteran leaders applaud Mayawati's uncompromising stance, younger cadres express concern about the BSP's diminishing relevance in Uttar Pradesh's rapidly evolving political landscape. The party's consecutive electoral setbacks and refusal to join major alliances have already weakened its position, and Anand's removal further clouds its future prospects.  

As the dust settles, political analysts are divided on whether this represents a temporary disciplinary measure or a more permanent sidelining. Some speculate Mayawati may be reconsidering her succession plan entirely, while others suggest this could be a strategic move to test Anand's resilience. What remains certain is Mayawati's iron grip on the party she built, even if it means sacrificing family ties at the altar of political control.  

The development raises critical questions about the BSP's ability to reinvent itself ahead of crucial state elections. With Mayawati turning 68 this year and no clear second-rung leadership in sight, the party risks becoming increasingly marginalised in India's most politically significant state. As Anand retreats from the spotlight, all eyes are on whether this decision will rejuvenate the BSP's fortunes or mark another step in its gradual decline.