Mayawati Sets 'Sanyas' Condition for Akash Anand's Return to BSP

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has indicated she is willing to reinstate her nephew, Akash Anand, to party responsibilities, but has attached a stringent condition: his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, must take a complete "sanyas" from politics.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Mayawati said Akash Anand would be able to "work freely in the party" once Siddharth fulfils this condition. She added that the party would then "sympathetically consider" restoring the responsibilities that were withdrawn from him.

This marks the latest twist in the political fortunes of Akash Anand, who was removed from his role as the party's chief national coordinator last week. Mayawati had then stated that he "still needs to be more mature."

Siddharth, a former Rajya Sabha MP, was expelled from the BSP in August for alleged anti-party activities. Mayawati has previously cautioned Akash Anand against being influenced by his father-in-law.

In her latest statement, Mayawati accused Siddharth of placing "personal and familial interests and ambitions" above the party's mission. She said Akash Anand has had to bear the consequences of his father-in-law's actions.

Mayawati noted that Siddharth still has an opportunity to "rise above personal interests" and "completely retire from politics." She urged him to set an example of "greater sacrifice, penance and selflessness."

The BSP chief also referenced the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, describing them as crucial for the Dalit-Bahujan movement. She cautioned that individuals should not act out of personal or familial interest in a way that creates obstacles "for which history may not forgive them."