Mayawati Reinstates Akash Anand as BSP’s No. 2: Strategic Leadership Shift or Political Necessity?

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major reshuffle within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), party supremo Mayawati has officially reinstated her nephew Akash Anand as the second-in-command of the party. With this move, Akash Anand is now not only back in the leadership spotlight but has also been positioned above all three national coordinators — Ramji Lal Suman, Rajaram, and Randhir Beniwal — in the party hierarchy.

This development has sparked widespread discussion in political circles: Is Akash Anand now more powerful than before? And what compelled Mayawati to bring her nephew back into the fold?

 Who Is Akash Anand?

Akash Anand is the son of Anand Kumar, Mayawati’s younger brother, and is widely considered her political heir. An MBA graduate with corporate exposure, Akash was introduced to politics in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks due to Mayawati’s backing. He was initially tasked with managing BSP’s youth outreach and digital campaigns, seen as part of Mayawati’s effort to modernize the party.

 The Official Declaration: Akash Returns as Party’s No. 2

The official announcement confirmed Akash Anand’s reinstatement and elevated responsibilities:

“Akash Anand has been appointed as the National Coordinator and will function as the party’s Number 2. All other national coordinators will now report directly to him,” read the internal party note.

This declaration repositions Akash at the center of BSP’s future strategy, confirming that he will play a crucial role in upcoming elections.

 Why Did Mayawati Bring Akash Back?

1. Diminishing Political Clout of BSP

In recent years, BSP’s political influence has waned significantly, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where its traditional Dalit vote bank has been split between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BJP. Mayawati’s once-formidable presence has gradually declined, prompting the need for a fresh face with youth appeal.

Akash Anand, with his relatively modern persona and aggressive tone, is seen as someone who can re-energize BSP’s base, especially young Dalit voters.

2. Absence of Second-Tier Leadership

The party lacks strong second-rung leaders who can take independent charge of organizational matters. By bringing Akash back and placing him above veteran coordinators, Mayawati solves the succession crisis — at least temporarily.

3. Balancing Internal Dissent and Generational Transition

There had been internal divisions regarding Akash’s style when he was previously sidelined. His return suggests that party pressure and declining relevance forced Mayawati to put aside differences and prioritize long-term planning over immediate control.

 Is Akash Now Stronger Than Before?

The answer is yes — both structurally and symbolically. Not only does he now officially rank above senior leaders, but the clear chain of command ensures that decision-making power flows through him.

Key signals of his elevated position include:

• Direct reporting structure from all three national coordinators

• Control over election planning and outreach strategies

• Public visibility and branding as the heir to Mayawati’s political legacy

However, whether this power translates into electoral success remains uncertain.

BSP’s Recent Electoral Decline: A Recap

The statistics show that BSP has lost its grip even in its core constituencies. Analysts say the absence of grassroots mobilization, lack of charismatic speakers, and rigid command structure have hurt the party.

 Strategic Roadmap Under Akash Anand

Now that Akash is back at the helm, the roadmap appears to include:

• Aggressive digital outreach to counter BJP’s online dominance

• Grassroots connect with Ambedkarite groups and student organizations

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• Reclaiming BSP’s anti-caste narrative

• Public rallies and youth town halls to revitalize ground-level support

• Potential alliances with smaller Dalit-OBC parties

There is also speculation that Akash might contest the 2026 Lok Sabha elections, marking his formal entry into mainstream electoral politics.

 How Senior Leaders Are Reacting

Though there’s been no official opposition, party insiders hint at discomfort among veteran leaders, especially the three national coordinators now subordinated to Akash.

• Ramji Lal Suman, a long-standing party loyalist, has refrained from public comment.

• Rajaram and Randhir Beniwal are expected to follow the new structure, but whether this will affect internal morale remains to be seen.

Mayawati’s top-down approach means dissent is rarely made public, but internal harmony will be critical ahead of elections.

 Public and Political Reactions

🔹 Dalit Youth View

Among the Dalit youth, especially Ambedkarite circles online, Akash Anand’s return has been received with measured optimism. His prior speeches attacking caste inequality and calling for a new political awakening had gone viral on social media.

🔹 Opposition Commentary

• BJP leaders are already accusing BSP of dynastic politics, despite running family-linked leaderships in various states.

• Samajwadi Party may see Akash’s rise as a threat in overlapping constituencies.

• Congress has remained silent but may try to woo disgruntled BSP leaders.

 Challenges Ahead for Akash Anand

Despite the clear boost in status, Akash Anand faces several critical challenges:

1. Rebuilding grassroots organization that has weakened over the past decade

2. Avoiding perception of arrogance or entitlement, a past criticism

3. Creating a unified campaign narrative that blends old Ambedkarite values with new-age electoral strategies

4. Winning public trust, not just party control

Mayawati’s decision to elevate Akash Anand is being viewed as both a long-overdue generational transition and a desperate bid to reclaim lost political ground. Whether Akash will breathe new life into BSP or merely inherit a legacy in decline depends on how he navigates the complex caste and political equations of India’s most populous state.

One thing is clear: With Akash back, BSP is not yet ready to fade away — but revival will require more than just symbolic leadership. It will demand groundwork, credibility, and a vision that resonates beyond the boundaries of caste politics.