The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is currently in the process of regaining its lost political ground after facing a series of electoral setbacks. With an eye on the forthcoming Haryana assembly elections and the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, the party is strategizing to reclaim its position in the political landscape. At the forefront of this effort is the young national coordinator of the BSP, Akash Anand, who is expected to play a crucial role in the party’s revival.
Akash Anand, the nephew of BSP supremo Mayawati, has had a tumultuous journey over the past 10 months. In December 2023, Mayawati named him as her political successor, only to later remove him from the post citing his “immaturity.” However, following the party’s disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha polls, Akash Anand was reinstated to his position.
Now, at the age of 29, Akash Anand has been included in the party’s list of star campaigners for the Haryana assembly polls. His name features prominently after Mayawati and his father Anand Kumar in the list, indicating the significant role he is expected to play in the upcoming elections.
Sources have revealed that Akash Anand’s recent speeches have taken on a more measured tone compared to his fiery rallies during the Lok Sabha polls. This shift in approach signifies a more strategic and calculated approach to garnering support for the BSP in the upcoming elections.
Vishwanath Pal, the president of BSP’s UP unit, has confirmed that after the Haryana elections, Akash Anand will also be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the by-elections in 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. This highlights the key role that Akash Anand is set to play in the party’s efforts to make a comeback in the political arena.
Akash Anand’s political journey began in 2017, but it was during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign that he gained prominence for his impassioned speeches. However, his use of allegedly “objectionable language” led to an FIR being filed against him, resulting in his temporary removal from the post of national coordinator. Despite this setback, Akash Anand’s reinstatement and the subsequent support from Mayawati have signaled a renewed focus on harnessing his potential as a leader within the party.
Lucknow University professor Ravikant pointed out that Akash Anand’s removal during the Lok Sabha elections had disappointed the youth associated with the party. His direct attacks on the BJP and RSS had resonated with the younger demographic, and his absence was felt during a critical juncture in the party’s electoral campaign.
The BSP leadership recognized the need to reinstate Akash Anand to regain the support of the youth. Mayawati’s call for the cadre to accord him “more respect than before” indicates a shift in the party’s approach towards leveraging Akash Anand’s influence among the younger generation.
As the party’s next-gen leader, Akash Anand has been actively engaging with the youth through various initiatives. His appeal to the youth to join the BSP through a missed call campaign and his interactions with students in universities have been instrumental in strengthening the party’s connect with the younger demographic.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks in his political career, Akash Anand has been given pivotal roles within the party at a young age. His involvement in key campaigns and his efforts to mobilize support among different segments of the population reflect his growing influence within the BSP.
Currently, Akash Anand is actively campaigning for the party in Haryana, where the BSP has formed a pre-poll alliance with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). With the Haryana assembly elections scheduled for October 5, Akash Anand’s role in rallying support for the alliance is crucial for the party’s prospects in the state.
The alliance between BSP and INLD aims to counter the BJP-NDA and Congress-INDIA alliance in the upcoming elections. Akash Anand’s focus on addressing the concerns of the youth, including issues related to education, employment, and reservation, underscores the party’s commitment to representing the interests of the people.
As the by-elections to the 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh loom on the horizon, the BSP is gearing up for another opportunity to make its mark in the state. Vishwanath Pal emphasized the party’s determination to win in the upcoming polls and pave the way for a resurgence in the political landscape.
Looking ahead to the 2027 assembly polls, Ravikant highlighted the significance of Akash Anand’s impact on the party’s performance. The BSP’s efforts to reach out to the youth and engage with different sections of the society underscore its commitment to building a strong foundation for future electoral success.
In conclusion, the BSP’s strategic approach to regaining its political ground and highlighting the role of Akash Anand reflects a concerted effort to revitalize the party’s presence in the political arena. With a focus on engaging with the youth, addressing key issues, and forging alliances, the BSP is positioning itself for a resurgence in the upcoming elections. Akash Anand’s journey as a young leader within the party symbolizes a new chapter in the BSP’s quest to reclaim its political space and make a meaningful impact in the political landscape.