In a significant political development, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati has officially designated her nephew, Akash Anand, as her political successor.

The announcement was made during a party meeting held in Lucknow, emphasising a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. BSP leader Udayveer Singh confirmed the decision, stating, “BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand (Mayawati’s nephew) as her successor.”

Akash Anand currently serves as the national coordinator for BSP. The decision comes in the aftermath of the party’s suspension of MP Danish Ali, who was accused of engaging in anti-party activities. In response, Ali refuted the allegations, maintaining his commitment to the party’s interests.

The BSP communicated its decision to suspend MP Danish Ali through a written letter, highlighting concerns about his actions going against the party’s policies, ideologies, and discipline. The letter reminded Ali of his past association with Dewe Gowdaji’s Janata Party and his participation in the Karnataka assembly polls, where the BSP and Janata Party collaborated in an alliance.

Notably, Akash Anand gained visibility in the media in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections when Mayawati announced his involvement in the BSP movement to familiarise himself with the intricacies of politics. He was recognised for introducing his aunt to Twitter, which has since become a prominent platform for political communication.

Akash Anand made his political debut in 2019 following the Election Commission’s 48-hour campaign ban on Mayawati. During this time, he addressed his first rally, encouraging people to support the SP-BSP-RLD alliance.

The decision to designate Akash Anand as the political successor suggests a strategic move by Mayawati to secure the party’s future leadership amid shifting political dynamics. As the BSP gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, this announcement could play a crucial role in shaping the party’s trajectory and leadership structure.