Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Monday expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party, citing his “selfish and arrogant” response after being relieved of his duties.

“In the interest of the self-respect and self-esteem movement of the most revered Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and following the tradition of discipline of the venerable Kanshiram, Akash Anand, like his father-in-law, is expelled from the party in the interest of the party and the movement,” Mayawati announced on X.

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister accused Anand of lacking political maturity and being influenced by his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, who was also expelled for “factionalism.” She said that Anand’s lengthy response following his removal was neither a sign of remorse nor political wisdom but was instead driven by arrogance.

Mayawati emphasized that Anand was expected to accept his removal with maturity. “In the BSP’s All-India meeting yesterday, Akash Anand was relieved from all responsibilities, including the post of National Coordinator, due to his continued influence under his father-in-law. For this, he should have repented and shown maturity,” she added.

A day after his removal, Akash Anand responded defiantly, stating that he remained undeterred and would continue his commitment to the Bahujan movement. Calling the decision “personally emotional” but a “big challenge,” he vowed to keep fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.

“The test is difficult, and the fight is long. Patience and determination are the true companions in such difficult times,” Anand posted on X. He added that the Bahujan movement was an idea that could not be suppressed and that “lakhs of Akash Anands” were ready to carry forward its legacy.

Following Anand’s ouster, Mayawati appointed Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as the new National Coordinators of the BSP. Meanwhile, Ashok Siddharth, Anand’s father-in-law, was also expelled from the party for allegedly causing divisions within the organization.

(Inputs from ANI)