Stories
Deepika Anand: Mayawati's New 'Lucky Charm' as Nephews Excluded from BSP Politics?
- •Mayawati has ruled out political roles for her nephews Akash Anand and Ishan Anand, while opening the door for niece Deepika Anand to assist her father, Anand Kumar, in party responsibilities.
- •Deepika Anand's emergence is intriguing due to her birth year, 1995, which coincides with Mayawati's first historic stint as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
- •Akash Anand, once projected as Mayawati’s successor, was removed from all party responsibilities, and Ishan Anand's political role was also ruled out.
- •Deepika, currently studying law, has largely remained away from active politics, with her potential role conditional on her work and commitment.
- •Political analysts suggest this move balances family considerations with BSP's organizational interests, creating space for a younger member while avoiding an immediate succession announcement.
Key Questions Answered
Mayawati ruled out political roles for her nephews to keep the BSP free from nepotism and ensure more people from society can join the movement. She criticized Akash Anand for prioritizing family interests over the party, acting under the influence of his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth, and lacking clarity in his working style. Consequently, she removed Akash from all party responsibilities and declared that neither brother, nor their future children, would be given political positions in the party.
Mayawati has not given Deepika Anand an official political role or declared her as a successor. Instead, she has allowed Deepika to assist her father, Anand Kumar, in carrying out his party responsibilities if he requires help. Mayawati stated that Deepika's honesty, loyalty, and working ability would first be assessed, and she could subsequently be assigned a suitable party responsibility if required. If Deepika does not wish to take up this role, Anand Kumar can instead rely on a committed worker from the Dalit community.
The year 1995 is a significant point of coincidence because it is both the birth year of Deepika Anand and the year Mayawati first became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In June 1995, following the collapse of the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government, Mayawati took office with BJP support, becoming the first Dalit woman to head the state. This historical connection has prompted discussions and curiosity around Deepika being a potential "lucky charm" as her name enters discussions regarding the future of the BSP.
