They say that once Mayawati makes up her mind, no one can change it. It seems that's precisely what has happened with Akash Anand. Deep within Mayawati's heart is the belief that Akash Anand, influenced by his father-in-law and wife, acted against the party's mission and movement. To ensure the party doesn't fall under Ashok Siddharth's control, Mayawati has, during her lifetime, ended the storyline of her succession. In a meeting in Lucknow, Mayawati first relieved her nephew of the role of National Coordinator and then clarified that there would be no successors in the BSP during her lifetime.
A speculated decision a week earlier:
Sources close to Akash Anand indicate that the speculation about Mayawati's decision was approximately a week old, suggesting that she was going to distance Akash Anand entirely from the party. It was believed that his father-in-law's family was becoming dominant and influential in the party.
Sources from Akash Anand's circle say that from Lucknow to Delhi, some individuals instilled the idea in Mayawati's mind that Akash Anand intended to run the party his own way, potentially moving away from the 'book system' of the party to introduce a new system, supported by his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth.
Changed profile, then an X post:
A year ago, during a party event, Akash Anand discussed resistance from top positions within the party towards change. Not only this, but in his speech, he urged the workers to maintain patience, promising to implement his system when the time comes. Several senior leaders close to Mayawati suspected that if Akash got control of BSP, the party would completely change, and its established methods would be entirely dissolved. Now, only symbolically retained within the party, Akash Anand turned to social media, changing his profile and subsequently posting on X.
Initially, he updated his profile, calling himself a Krishna Movement worker and a supporter of Babasaheb, expressing faith in Mayawati's leadership and urging his supporters to remain patient.
Post on X:
On social media, Akash wrote, 'I am Mayawati Ji's cadre and under her leadership, I have learned unforgettable lessons of sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. These are not just thoughts but the purpose of life for me. Each decision taken by Hon. Mayawati Ji is as ingrained as a line etched in stone, and I fully respect and stand by her decisions. Although the decision to relieve me of all party positions is personally emotional, it poses a significant challenge. In such difficult times, patience and determination are the truest companions. As a true worker of the Bahujan mission and movement, I dedicate myself wholly to the cause and will continue to fight for the rights of my community until my last breath. Some adversaries might think that my political career has ended with this decision, but they must understand that the Bahujan Movement is not a career. It is the fight for the self-respect and dignity of millions of Dalits, oppressed, and marginalized people, a movement that cannot be extinguished. To keep this torch burning and to sacrifice everything for it, countless Akash Anands are always ready.'
What does this post signify?
This post clearly suggests that Akash Anand will step back from active politics for now, distancing himself from the party, and wait quietly for his time. His post hints at some opposition within the party, writing that believing his career is over is a misjudgment, pointing out that patience and resolve stand firm during challenging times. It indicates Akash Anand is likely to remain in the party as a quiet supporter, waiting for the right moment.
Dissatisfaction brewing for some time:
Indeed, Mayawati had been displeased with Ashok Siddharth, Akash Anand's father-in-law, for quite some time. Ashok Siddharth, in charge of southern states, was suspected of building a parallel organization and wielding separate influence over southern Indian leaders and workers, from which the party saw no benefit.
No mention of the daughter-in-law:
The decision also hints at some aspect regarding the daughter-in-law, though Mayawati didn't explicitly mention Akash Anand's wife. However, it implies Mayawati believed Ashok Siddharth and his daughter were significantly influencing Akash, leading him more towards family priorities, potentially dominating the party.
For now, Akash Anand has little choice but to wait, being almost out of the party and retained only as a nominal worker. All eyes will be on whether Akash Anand chooses a different path, perhaps branching out independently from the party.
