BSP's Mayawati names nephew Akash Anand as political successor: Report
What's the story
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati reportedly announced her nephew Akash Anand as her political successor on Sunday. Anand, a prominent face during the BSP supremo's Lok Sabha poll campaign in 2019, is currently serving as the party's national coordinator. The veteran politician made the announcement during a crucial party meeting in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Lucknow, attended by BSP office bearers.
Details
BSP leader provides details on party meeting
Speaking to ANI about the meeting, BSP leader Udayveer Singh said, "BSP chief Mayawati has announced [Anand] as her successor." Furthermore, Singh said that Anand will be working in states where the party is weak ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year. The BSP chief also urged party leaders to start their work for the general election, he added.
Twitter Post
Here's what Singh said on Mayawati's announcement
#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Udayveer Singh says, "BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand (Mayawati's nephew) as her successor..." pic.twitter.com/nT1jmAMI29
— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2023
More details
'Bahujan Samaj' is happy: UP BSP president
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh BSP President Vishwanath Pal expressed his delight over Mayawati naming Anand as her political successor. On the development, Pal told news agency PTI that the whole "Bahujan Samaj" was happy with the move. Furthermore, the state BSP chief confirmed that Anand's elevation was certain and also suggested he would receive further responsibilities.
Twitter Post
Check out Pal's comments on Anand
VIDEO | "The whole 'Bahujan Samaj' is happy," says BSP UP president @PalVishwnathbsp in response to a media query on Mayawati declaring her nephew Akash Anand as her successor. pic.twitter.com/8lsYijAcEk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 10, 2023
know more
All you need to know about Akash Anand
Son of Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar, Anand was introduced to the senior party functionaries by the BSP chief as an MBA graduate from London back in 2017. He soon got involved in party affairs. While he managed Mayawati's election campaign strategy during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the 28-year-old later handled the party's social media during the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Further details
Know about Anand's rise to political fame at BSP
Notably, in 2019, Anand was made the BSP national coordinator after Mayawati rejigged the party organization after a split in alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Later, his name was featured on the list of BSP star campaigners in 2022 for Himachal Pradesh's assembly polls. Anand was also entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the party cadre for the recently concluded state assembly elections.