Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has announced that her nephew, Akash Anand, is no longer considered her political heir or the National Coordinator of the party. This decision, made today, follows recent controversies surrounding his remarks likening the BJP to the Taliban of Afghanistan.In a statement posted on social media, Mayawati clarified her decision, stating that while she initially appointed Akash Anand to key roles within the party, his recent actions necessitated his removal until he reached a level of maturity deemed suitable for such responsibilities.BSP chief Mayawati tweets, I declared Akash Anand as the National Coordinator of BSP and my successor, but in the larger interest of the party and the movement, he is being separated from both these important responsibilities until he attains full maturity pic.twitter.com/Lpw8W9pdNr— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024Family involvement continuesMayawati assured that Akash Anands father, Anand Kumar, will continue to fulfill his duties within the party, indicating that the familys involvement in BSP affairs persists despite Akash Anands removal. Akash Anands remarks, which likened the BJP government to a bulldozer government and accused it of being a government of traitors, sparked controversy and led to a case being filed against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct.Impact on BSPs Lok Sabha campaignFollowing the filing of the case, Mayawati took swift action, canceling all rallies featuring Akash Anand and prohibiting his involvement in election campaigning activities.Political heir status of MayawatiMayawati had previously designated Akash Anand as her political successor in December of the previous year, but recent events have prompted a reconsideration of this decision.Akash Anand, who officially entered politics ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, had previously accompanied Mayawati during the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly election campaign, indicating his gradual immersion into BSP politics.
