New Delhi: It is impossible to discuss the buzz surrounding the UP Assembly elections without mentioning the BSP. BSP supremo Mayawati is currently focused on strengthening the party. She had previously relieved her nephew of certain key responsibilities but later presented a challenging offer: he would regain a party position only if his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, retired from politics.
Accepting this offer from the former Chief Minister, Ashok Siddharth announced his retirement from active politics. The internal strife within the BSP ahead of the 2027 UP elections is no secret, and Mayawati has taken some surprising decisions with these polls in mind.
Her nephew, Akash Anand, went from being a party coordinator to a mere party worker, and eventually to just a supporter. During this period, Mayawati had described Akash Anand as immature. Ashok Siddharth is believed to be the reason behind this decision regarding Akash Anand.
Ashok Siddharth Retires from Politics
Akash Anand’s father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, shared a letter addressed to Mayawati. In the letter, he stated that if she felt his continued presence in political and social life was harming the ‘Bahujan Mission’ established by their saints, gurus, and great leaders, he was announcing his retirement from public life immediately.
He wrote that he owed his life to her; retirement was a small sacrifice, and he would consider it a matter of pride to even lay down his life for her if required. Growing emotional, he further pleaded with folded hands that she should not link his retirement to Akash Anand’s return to the party.
He emphasized that Akash Anand is her nephew before being his son-in-law and is the son of Anand Bhai-sahab; he carries her bloodline and has spent two decades of his life under her guidance and care. He asked how a humble worker like himself could possibly mislead someone like Akash, noting that she understands what is best for him better than anyone else. Whether or not to entrust him with responsibility is your decision.
Never worked against the BSP
For the record, Ashok Siddharth is a former BSP Rajya Sabha MP. He explicitly told Mayawati that he had never acted against the party’s interests. Far from advising Akash Anand, he has barely met him over the past several months. Now, all eyes are on what responsibility Mayawati assigns to Akash Anand following Ashok Siddharth’s retirement. Only a few months remain before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections begin.
