In a strategic move aimed at rejuvenating the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and securing a fresh voter base, Mayawati, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP supremo, has named her nephew, Akash Anand, as her successor.
The announcement was made during an important meeting convened by Mayawati to discuss the party’s preparations for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This move is seen as a response to the party’s recent electoral setbacks and a shift in focus towards attracting younger voters.
Mayawati, grappling with consistent losses and the departure of her traditional vote bank in recent years, is now looking to appeal to a younger demographic by entrusting Akash with the responsibility of fortifying the party’s position ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.
BSP leader Udayveer Singh, who was present at the meeting, confirmed Mayawati’s announcement, stating, “The BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash as her successor.” Singh said Akash would be tasked with assessing and strengthening the BSP’s presence, particularly in areas where the party faces challenges.
Mayawati’s decision to appoint Akash her successor places added pressure on other political leaders, notably Mamata Banerjee, the chief of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Mamata is now expected to announce her successor, with Abhishek Banerjee, the de facto number two in the TMC and Member of Parliament for Diamond Harbour, viewed as the likely heir.
Akash, an MBA graduate from London, has been actively involved in BSP affairs and was earlier appointed as the national vice-president of the party. His responsibilities grew further after Mayawati’s reshuffling of party positions in 2019, despite initial statements countering nepotism charges. Mayawati’s brother Anand Kumar was later appointed as the vice president, while Akash assumed the role of national coordinator.
The 28-year-old Akash’s involvement in party campaigns, including being listed as a star campaigner during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, underscores his growing influence. His active role in recent Assembly elections, particularly in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, positions him strategically within the party.
In response to the announcement, BSP leaders BR Dhoni and Surendra Singh welcomed Mayawati’s decision, noting that she had chosen the opportune moment to declare Akash as her successor. The move is seen as an effort to counter the challenges posed by emerging political figures, particularly after the underwhelming performance of Chandrashekhar Ravan’s Azad Samaj Party in recent elections.
Meanwhile, Mayawati has expressed skepticism regarding electronic voting machines (EVMs) and advocated for elections through ballot-paper, a sentiment echoed by several party leaders. The BSP, in an official statement, announced its intention to analyse its performance in the recently concluded assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Mayawati has also delegated the responsibility of deciding candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to state-wise leaders, underscoring her commitment to strategic party development in the lead-up to 2024.
