Mayawati’s Political Moves Keep BSP Circles Guessing as Nephew Akash Anand Remains Absent from Crucial Party Meeting

In what has now become a signature style of hers, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati once again left political observers and party workers speculating on Wednesday as she chose to keep her nephew, Akash Anand, away from a key party meeting — despite widespread expectations that she might formally reinstate him in a significant leadership role.

Over the years, Mayawati has gained a reputation for making unexpected, often surprising decisions, particularly when it comes to internal party matters and appointments, including those involving members of her own family.

On this occasion, many in the BSP camp believed the time had come for Akash Anand’s political rehabilitation, especially after his recent pardon by the party chief.

However, as the day unfolded, it became evident that Mayawati had once again chosen to defy expectations.

According to sources within the BSP, Akash Anand was, in fact, present at his aunt’s official residence on Mall Avenue in Lucknow on Wednesday, only a stone’s throw away from the party headquarters, where the meeting was being held.

Despite being so close, Akash did not make an appearance at the gathering, which had been eagerly anticipated as a moment where Mayawati might either reaffirm or redefine his position within the party.

A senior party functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented on the situation: “Akash Anand was very much at the Mall Avenue residence, but he did not cross over to the BSP office, which is barely 20 meters away. This was not a coincidence — it was c calculated decision by Behenji (Mayawati).

As usual, she has chosen to maintain an air of mystery around her next political move. If there is one thing everyone in the BSP knows about Mayawati, it’s that she never does what people expect her to do.”

Speculation had been rife that Mayawati might reappoint Akash to the post of national coordinator, a position he had previously held until his suspension last year. Akash, the young face of the party, was sidelined following allegations that he was allowing himself to be influenced by his father-in-law,

Ashok Siddharth, a former BSP MP. Siddharth was accused by party insiders of attempting to undermine the BSP’s organizational strength and of encouraging Akash to act against the party’s interest.

Over the past year, Akash’s political fortunes have swung back and forth, with Mayawati suspending and reinstating him on no fewer than three occasions.

Just a few days ago, the BSP chief appeared to extend an olive branch once again, announcing publicly that she had forgiven her nephew after he had met her in person, accepted his mistakes, and pledged to sever the influence of his father-in-law on his political activities.

On April 13, Mayawati posted a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shedding light on her latest decision to pardon Akash.

“Akash Anand had publicly accepted his mistakes and promised to respect his seniors. He has been given another chance to learn from his errors and work by the party’s principles.

He has assured me that he will no longer allow himself to be influenced by his father-in-law.”

Despite this statement signaling his return to the fold, Akash’s absence from Wednesday’s meeting raised fresh questions about his immediate future within the party.

While many supporters and political observers had expected Mayawati to signal his re-entry with a formal announcement, the day passed without any such development.

Meanwhile, BSP’s Uttar Pradesh state president Vishwanath Pal addressed reporters and played down Akash’s absence, making it clear that any future role for the young leader would be decided solely by Mayawati.

“Behenji had already forgiven Akash Anand, and what position or responsibilities he will be given is entirely her prerogative. Whether or not he was present at the meeting today is not a matter of much importance,” Pal said.

This latest episode only adds to Mayawati’s long-established reputation as a leader who prefers to keep her cards close to her chest, especially when it comes to the question of succession planning or family involvement in party affairs.

For now, Akash Anand remains in political limbo, with his fate hanging on his aunt’s next strategic move — a decision that, true to form, is unlikely to be predictable.