Mayawati’s ‘final call’: No political role for nephews Akash, Ishan in BSP

Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, used a Hindi post on X on Saturday to declare a "final decision" that her nephews, Akash Anand and Ishan Anand, will not be allotted any position, large or small, within the party. She explained that, as an unmarried leader, she has kept her younger brother Anand Kumar close for personal safety and party matters, but will not allow his sons to benefit from party posts.

The statement came after Mayawati recently removed Akash from his duties and appointed Ishan as the party’s chief sector coordinator. In the same post, she suggested that Kumar could turn to his only daughter, Deepika Anand – a law student – for assistance, and if she declines, the party could appoint another Dalit missionary worker with consensus. The announcement was made without specifying a date beyond "Saturday" and referenced her commitment to the anti‑nepotism principles of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

Mayawati’s move reflects ongoing internal family tensions within the BSP, a party that has historically positioned itself against dynastic politics. By sidelining her nephews while keeping other relatives in key roles, she aims to preserve the party’s image among its Dalit base and avoid accusations of favoritism, a factor that could influence the BSP’s organizational cohesion and electoral prospects in Uttar Pradesh.