In a dramatic turnaround on Sunday, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati extended an olive branch to her expelled nephew Akash Anand, reinstating him in the party after he publicly apologised for his recent actions. The move came just hours after Akash posted a series of heartfelt messages on social media, expressing remorse and reaffirming his loyalty to the party and its leadership.
Calling Mayawati his “one and only political guru and role model”, Akash said he would ensure personal relationships, particularly with his in-laws, would not interfere with his political duties. “I seek forgiveness for a tweet I posted a few days ago, which led to my removal from the party. I will not make any political decision based on advice from relatives or external advisors,” he said on X.
In response, Mayawati took to the same platform, acknowledging his public apology and pledging him “one more chance”. She praised his admission of error and commitment to the party’s ideals. “Akash Anand has publicly admitted his mistakes… and has resolved not to give in to his father-in-law’s words. Therefore, it has been decided to give him one more chance,” she wrote.
Mayawati also said that she will not announce any successor while she remains in good health. “Like Kanshi Ram ji, I will continue to lead the party with full dedication. There is no question of announcing a successor as long as I’m healthy,” she posted.
While Akash returns to the party fold, his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth remains out. “His actions are unforgivable,” Mayawati said, closing the door on any reconciliation with the former BSP leader.
“… Along with extreme anti-party activities like factionalism etc, he has left no stone unturned in ruining Akash’s career. Therefore, the question of forgiving him and taking him back into the party does not arise,” she said.
Mayawati had on March 2 removed Akash from all party posts and appointed his father Anand Kumar national coordinator in his place. A disappointed Mayawati then said she would not name a successor in her lifetime.
“The party is supreme and relations can come later,” Mayawati, who had sacked Akash last year only to later reinstate him and appoint him her political successor, said. On March 3, she expelled Akash from the party.
Mayawati said that Akash’s response to her action against him was “selfish and arrogant.” At that time, Akash had said, “Some people from the rival party are thinking that my political career is over… They should understand that the Bahujan movement is not a career, but a fight for self-respect and self-esteem of crores of Dalits, exploited, deprived and poor people.”
(With inputs from PTI)