Mayawati criticizes nephew Akash Anand over alleged phone call and continued family influence

NEW DELHI: Mayawati on Sunday escalated her criticism of her nephew Akash Anand, saying he continues to act under the influence of his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, days after Anand was 'fully relieved' from the party. The Bahujan Samaj Party chief also accused expelled leaders of attempting to create confusion among BSP workers by spreading rumours about her health.

The remarks came after Mayawati removed Akash as the party’s national coordinator on September 3 and subsequently announced that he had been relieved from the BSP. On Saturday, she ruled out political roles for Akash and his brother Ishan Anand, describing the move as her “final decision”.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati said she had learnt of an alleged phone call made by Akash to Alok Kumar, a party in-charge at her residence, in which he enquired about her health. “It seems that people who have been expelled from the party have been spreading confusion among party members for the past 1-2 days that Behen Ji (Mayawati) is quite ill,” she said.

Mayawati said Akash asked Kumar, “whether Behen Ji is ill? How is her health?” According to her, Kumar responded, “No, no, she is absolutely fine and busy with her work.”

She further claimed that Akash then told Kumar, “Do not tell Behen Ji that I asked about this,” before ending the call. Mayawati said the episode raised concerns over Akash's independence and linked it to his relationship with Siddharth.

“This is also a matter of great concern and seriousness; meaning, in this matter, his mindset might be right or wrong, because even now he is not working with his own mind, but rather seems to be working under the influence of Shri Ashok Siddharth's mind,” she said.

Siddharth, Akash's father-in-law, had announced his complete retirement from politics and social life. Mayawati had said the decision was correct but came after a delay despite her ultimatum linking his political retirement to Akash's future in the BSP. She had earlier accused Akash of giving greater importance to “personal and family interests” than the Bahujan movement.

On Saturday, in a long post on X, Mayawati said neither Akash nor Ishan would receive any political position in the BSP. She said her brother Anand Kumar could seek assistance from his daughter, Kumari Deepika Anand, who is studying law.

Siddharth, Anand’s father-in-law, was expelled from the BSP in March 2025 over allegations of “factionalism”. He was reinstated in September 2025 but expelled again in 2026.