Who is Akash Anand: In a recent development, Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), declared her political heir following a crucial meeting of party officials. Mayawati's nephew, Akash Anand, is set to assume leadership within the party. However, Mayawati will continue in her role as the party chief for the time being.
Who is Akash Anand?
- Akash Anand, the appointed political successor, is not only Mayawati's nephew but also serves as the national coordinator of the BSP. He played a pivotal role as the BSP's in-charge for the recent Rajasthan assembly polls and was actively involved in party activities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
- Mayawati entrusted him with the responsibility of being part of a delegation tasked with preparing and launching the party's election campaign, focusing on issues related to Dalits, religious minorities, OBCs, and tribals.
- Entering politics at the age of 22 in 2017, Akash Anand, an MBA graduate from London, made his political debut alongside Mayawati at a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. His involvement continued as he shared the stage with Akhilesh Yadav and Ajit Singh during the 2019 general election campaign in Agra, where the BSP was part of the Mahagathbandhan.
- In a notable shift earlier this year, Akash Anand, in contrast to the party's usual strategy, organized a 14-day 'Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay' Sankalp Yatra. This move signaled a strategic repositioning of the BSP's approach in preparation for the upcoming Assembly polls in Rajasthan and the crucial Lok Sabha elections next year.
- Reports suggest that Mayawati has been grooming Akash Anand for a sustained leadership role. The 28-year-old, the son of Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar, is a familiar figure within BSP circles. On his Instagram profile, he identifies himself as a "young supporter of Baba Saheb's vision," emphasising his commitment to education, empowerment, and equality. Mayawati's decision to appoint Akash Anand as her political successor indicates a strategic move to secure the party's future under his leadership.
- With inputs from agencies
