Mayawati has 'completely freed' her nephew Akash Anand from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) following the retirement of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister cited Anand's family attachments over party loyalty as the reason for his removal. Siddharth, a former lawmaker, had retired from politics as a condition for Anand's return to the party, according to reports.

In a post on X, Mayawati stated, 'The people in the party feel... he should be completely freed from the party from today. Therefore, if Akash Anand wants to remain independent in the party, he is free to do so; that is, he has now been completely freed from the party.' The move comes ahead of the crucial 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

Mayawati justified the decision by questioning Anand's commitment to the party, stating, 'If Akash Anand cares less about the true interests of the party and the movement and about his own career connected to it and more about attachments to relationships, then it is natural for the question to arise: How can he, with a double mind, possibly do good for the BSP party and the movement?' She also described Siddharth's retirement as a 'correct step', though late, adding that the party had sought his retirement in the larger interest of the BSP, its movement, and Anand.

Sources indicate that Mayawati had previously removed Anand from the national coordinator post in March 2025, citing a need for more maturity. He was later reinstated in May 2025 and reappointed as chief national coordinator. However, he was again removed last week, with Mayawati stating that entrusting him with major responsibilities at this stage would be inappropriate.

The timing of Anand's sacking has raised questions about the internal dynamics of the BSP, particularly given Mayawati's long-standing control over the party. Despite growing erosion in the BSP's support base, she has made it clear that she will continue to lead the party, even as demands for younger leadership grow. The party currently has no seats in Parliament and faces significant challenges in the upcoming elections.

The exact implications of Anand's removal remain unclear, with no official statement from Anand or his supporters. However, the move underscores the complex relationships within the BSP and the ongoing power struggles within the party leadership.