Akash Anand steps into leadership role as Mayawati signals BSP’s return to power

In a landmark political development, Akash Anand, nephew of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, was officially elevated to the position of National Vice President of the party, marking a generational shift in the party’s leadership and strategy.

The announcement was made during a massive rally in Lucknow, held on the death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, on Thursday.

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Speaking from the stage, Mayawati said, “Just as Kanshi Ram ji mentored me, I have now decided to mentor Akash Anand. He is fully committed to the mission and will work under my guidance to strengthen the party across the country.”

Akash Anand, in his address to the huge crowd, confidently stated, “Looking at the enthusiasm and unity amongst you all, it’s clear that BSP is set to form its fifth government in Uttar Pradesh in 2027. The state needs Behenji’s leadership now more than ever.” His speech energised the gathering and signaled a fresh push toward youth leadership in the BSP’s traditionally disciplined structure.

Meanwhile, in a massive show of strength after nearly nine years, BSP chief Mayawati addressed a huge rally in Lucknow on the death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram, signaling the party’s renewed political momentum ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Addressing lakhs of supporters from Uttar Pradesh and five other states, including Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana, Mayawati declared that the time has come for the BSP to once again form a government on its own, as it did in 2007.

In a surprising move, Mayawati praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for not misusing funds and lauded his efforts in maintaining Ambedkar Park. However, she launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), labeling it “double-faced and opportunistic.” She alleged that SP only remembers the backward and Dalit communities when out of power and accused them of changing the names of institutions started under Kanshi Ram’s legacy.

She also accused opposition parties, including the SP, the BJP, and the Congress, of conspiring to divide the Dalit vote by creating or backing smaller, “sell-out” factions that aim to weaken BSP electorally.

Without naming Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, Mayawati accused certain individuals of working as tools of rival parties to split BSP’s vote bank. “Many selfish and sell-out types have been propped up to mislead our voters. These parties not only field candidates tactically but also secretly transfer votes to help one or two of their own win. This is nothing but an organised conspiracy,” she warned.

The BSP chief also criticised Congress for historical neglect of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Dalit rights. “Congress didn’t even declare national mourning when Kanshi Ram ji passed away,” she noted. Similarly, she accused BJP and SP of doing little to advance Dalit rights despite being in power.

She also blamed both parties for failing to support reservation in promotions for SC/ST employees and called out SP MPs for allegedly tearing the bill in Parliament.

Mayawati also responded for the first time to rumours of Azam Khan joining the BSP. She said, “Since last month, rumours have started spreading that leaders from other parties are joining the party. They’ve even met in Delhi. I’m not aware of anything like that yet. I don’t meet anyone secretly; whenever I do, I meet openly.”

”They spread such rumors in 2007 as well. People weren’t misled then, so we won. If we’re not misled this time, we’ll win again. I hope you’ll bring us back to power and make Behenji the CM for the fifth time.

Calling for Dalit unity and vigilance against conspiracies, Mayawati reiterated Kanshi Ram’s vision of political empowerment. “Power is the key to development,” she said. “Until we control power, our people cannot live with dignity.”

Mayawati made it clear that future elections will be fought solo, asserting that alliances have only hurt BSP’s prospects in the past. “Our votes transfer fully, but we don’t get theirs in return,” she said. She added that even when such alliances win, the governments often collapse due to differences.

She emphasised that only a full majority government led by BSP can truly safeguard the Constitution and ensure justice for Dalits, backwards, and minorities.