Mayawati appoints nephew Akash Anand as party's chief national coordinator

India Today

18-05-2025

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati once again appointed her nephew Akash Anand as chief national coordinator of the party, months after removing him from all party posts. The decision was taken at a national-level meeting at the party's Central Office in Delhi's Lodhi Road today.It was also decided in the meeting that Akash will take charge of campaigning in the upcoming elections. Senior party leaders, state representatives, and coordinators from across the country participated to discuss key national issues and organisational matters.advertisementMayawati hoped that this time Akash Anand, her nephew, by taking all measures in the interest of the party and the movement, would strengthen the ideological foundations of the BSP.'It is hoped that Akash Anand, this time will take measures carefully in the interest of the party and the movement strengthening the ideological foundations of the party,' reads a statement by the BSP.18-05-2025-BSP PRESSNOTE-ALL INDIA MEETING pic.twitter.com/z0IF3crxN3— Mayawati (@Mayawati) May 18, 2025This time, Mayawati has appointed three national coordinators - Ram Ji Gautam, Randhir beniwal and Raja Ram, sources told India Today.Earlier, on March 3, Mayawati had expelled Akash Anand from the party. However, just forty days later, on April 13, she reinstated him after he issued a public apology.Akash distanced himself from Siddharth's alleged interference. Calling Mayawati her "sole political guru", Anand apologised for his mistakes and demanded a chance to work in the party again.advertisementWhile bringing him back, Mayawati cautioned Akash not to be influenced by anyone and urged party members to support and encourage him in his renewed role."The decision to give another chance to Akash Anand in view of his publicly admitting his mistakes in his four posts today on X and giving full respect to the seniors and not giving in to his father-in-law's words means he is dedicating his life to the BSP party and movement," she said.Akash Anand previously held the position of National Coordinator in the BSP, and Mayawati had even named him her political successor in 2023. A year later, he was expelled by Mayawati who cited maturity as the reason."I had declared Shri Akash Anand as the National Coordinator and his successor, but in the larger interest of the party and the movement, he is being divested of both these important responsibilities until he attains full maturity," she said.A month later, Akash was reinstated with a more subdued role after a quiet internal patch-up.