After being “completely expelled” from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) a month ago, Akash Anand publicly apologized to the party leader and his aunt, Mayawati, on Friday, expressing his desire for another opportunity to contribute to the party’s efforts.
Previously serving as the national convenor of the BSP, Anand also refuted speculation regarding his potential affiliation with another political party. In a message posted on X in Hindi, he affectionately referred to Mayawati as ‘Buaa Maa,’ acknowledging her role as his political mentor and source of inspiration.
In his statement, Anand emphasized, “Today, I wish to express my thoughts directly to you and the entire Bahujan community,” while clarifying his intention to remain with the BSP. He expressed, “The BSP is not merely a political party to me; it is akin to family.”
This response marked Anand’s first public statement following his removal from party positions and subsequent expulsion by Mayawati on September 3. In his message, he supported Mayawati’s decision to expel his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, and sought forgiveness, explaining that his previous silence on the matter was misinterpreted. “I had taken a step back from social media during that time, which hindered my ability to share your post. My silence was misinterpreted, and if it caused you any pain, I sincerely apologize,” he stated.
Since his expulsion, several political figures, including Sanjay Nishad, head of the NISHAD Party, Chandrashekhar Aazad of the Azad Samaj Party, and Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, have expressed willingness to welcome Akash Anand should he choose to join their ranks.
Anand’s recent apology and request for reinstatement has sparked speculation within the BSP regarding a possible return to the party. During a meeting on September 3, Mayawati stated that Anand required more maturity before being entrusted with significant responsibilities.
Subsequently, she advised Ashok Siddharth to retire from politics for the sake of his son-in-law’s future and the BSP’s interests. The following day, she officially expelled Akash from the party.
This development adds another chapter to the complex relationship between Akash and Mayawati over the past two years. Initially viewed as her political successor in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he was given the responsibility of spearheading the BSP’s campaign in Uttar Pradesh. However, following an incident in May 2024 where he was accused of inciting discord during a public rally, Mayawati dismissed him from his role and retracted her previous endorsement of him as her heir, prohibiting him from campaigning.
In a surprising turn, Mayawati reinstated Akash as national coordinator in June 2024 and reaffirmed her support for him as her successor. Nonetheless, he faced expulsion again in March 2025, although this decision was later reversed, leading to his appointment as chief national coordinator. By August 2025, he had been elevated once more to the position of national convenor.
Lalmani serves as an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi, where he covers political developments in the Hindi Heartland, focusing on parties such as the BJP, Samajwadi Party, BSP, and RLD in regions including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. He has reported on the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024, as well as the Assembly elections of 2012, 2017, and 2022 in Uttar Pradesh, along with government affairs in both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
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