In a dramatic turn of events, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati announced the removal of her nephew, Akash Anand, from all party positions during a press briefing following an all-India party meeting in Lucknow today. The decision, which reverberated across political circles, marks a significant shift for the BSP, a party long centered on Mayawati’s leadership and vision for the Bahujan community.

Addressing the media, Mayawati declared that Akash, once positioned as her political heir, has been stripped of all responsibilities, citing the influence of his wife and father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth—a former MP recently expelled for alleged factionalism—as a key factor. She went further, asserting that there would be no successor named during her lifetime, a statement that underscores her intent to maintain absolute control over the party she has helmed since its early days under Kanshiram’s mentorship. Instead, BSP veteran Anand Kumar, her brother, and Ramji Gautam have been appointed as national coordinators to steer the party’s operations.

The move comes just months after Akash’s reinstatement to prominent roles, raising eyebrows about the BSP’s internal dynamics. Posts on X reflected a mix of shock and speculation, with some lamenting the decision as a blow to Kanshiram’s Dalit movement, while others saw it as Mayawati reasserting her authority. The briefing followed a high-level meeting at the BSP’s state office, where national and state leaders reviewed organizational strategies amid growing challenges.

Mayawati framed the reshuffle as a safeguard for the party’s mission, emphasizing that only a leader embodying Kanshiram’s dedication could carry the BSP forward. While she reiterated her commitment to the Bahujan cause, the absence of a clear succession plan leaves the party’s future uncertain as it navigates Uttar Pradesh’s complex political landscape.