Mayawati Urges BSP Cadres to Rally Behind Akash Anand as Party Looks to the Future
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: In a significant address marking the 19th death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati called upon party workers to offer steadfast support to Akash Anand, the party’s national coordinator, in the same manner they have consistently rallied behind her over the years.
Speaking at a rally in Lucknow on Thursday, Mayawati lauded Anand — her nephew — for his commitment to the party’s ideology and his tireless efforts to broaden the BSP’s reach across the country.
“Akash Anand has immersed himself in the BSP’s mission with full dedication. Guided by me, he is working relentlessly to strengthen our organisation and expand our base, which has inspired great enthusiasm among our party workers,” Mayawati said.
She urged cadres to emulate the loyalty shown to her, stating, “Just as party members across India stood firmly with me during and after Kanshi Ram ji’s lifetime, they should now support Akash Anand in every circumstance and extend their wholehearted cooperation.”
Mayawati also acknowledged the contributions of several senior party figures, including Anand Kumar, BSP national vice president and Akash Anand’s father, Satish Chandra Misra, national general secretary, and Vishwanath Pal, Uttar Pradesh unit president, for their roles in fortifying the party’s structure and operations.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts interpret Mayawati’s remarks as a strategic signal that she is preparing to project Akash Anand as a prominent face of the BSP in the coming years, even as she herself has largely maintained a low profile in recent times.
Observers note that while Anand’s energy and connection with party workers are evident, the young leader faces a formidable challenge in consolidating BSP’s voter base, which is perceived to be less cohesive than during Mayawati’s heyday at the forefront of the party.
“It remains too early to determine who will truly take the lead in the BSP’s future campaigns,” said a senior political analyst.
“Even if Mayawati positions Akash Anand as the face of the party, she will undoubtedly continue to exercise decisive influence in key policy and political decisions.”
Analysts also suggest that Mayawati’s public backing of Anand may serve multiple purposes: galvanizing the party’s workers, demonstrating continuity with Kanshi Ram’s vision, and subtly reshaping the leadership hierarchy without committing to a formal succession plan.
The BSP chief has previously indicated that she will not name a successor during her lifetime, adding an element of uncertainty to the party’s future leadership dynamics.
As the party navigates evolving political challenges, all eyes will remain on Akash Anand’s capacity to translate organizational enthusiasm into electoral gains, and whether he can match the political acumen and mass appeal that Mayawati cultivated over decades.
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