In a major organisational shake-up, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday removed her nephew Akash Anand from all party posts, effectively ruling him out as her political successor.
The BSP national president also stated in no uncertain terms that nobody would be her successor in the party till she is alive.
The fresh shake-up in party followed a crucial party meet, where decision was taken to appoint his father and party general secretary Anand Kumar along with Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam as the new national co-ordinators of the party.
BSP supremo emphasised that the development of Bahujan community is crucial not only for Uttar Pradesh's progress but for advancement of the entire country.
She further said that Anand Kumar, who is the serving vice-president will look after party activities including those related to income-tax and litigation matters, in her absence and with her due consent.
Mayawati expressed confidence in Anand Kumar's ability to manage party affairs, saying that he never disappointed her and always remained loyal to party’s mission.
“Apart from monitoring all official works, he also maintains good contact with workers and people on the ground and also gives me good feedback, time to time,” she said while praising Anand Kumar’s loyalty towards party.
Notably, the reason behind sacking Akash Anand as the party’s national co-ordinator is the 'negative influence' from his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth as the latter was expelled by BSP chief, sometime back on charges of creating factionalism within the party, in a bid to weaken it and erode its organisational strength.
This is the second time Akash Anand has been stripped of party positions. The first time it occurred was in May 2024, just before Lok Sabha elections. He was however reinstated to the post two months later, after Lok Sabha elections got over.
Mayawati was also unequivocal and unambiguous in her declaration that she won't allow any successor in the party till her last breath.
CWG 2026: Preeti, Jaismine, Sakshi, Sachin win as India rule boxing ring with seven gold
Indian boxing scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Saturday by bagging seven gold medals — the highest-ever gold haul for the country in the competition.
Five NE states record below-normal monsoon rainfall in June-July despite widespread floods
Even as several Northeastern states were battered by heavy rains, floods and landslides during July, five of the region's eight states recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far due to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal, the absence of active monsoon troughs and the influence of El Nino, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Saturday.
Blood donation movement witnessing a renaissance in Tripura: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that there is currently a renaissance in the blood donation movement in the state. Along with creating a sense of spirituality through blood donation, a sweet bond is developed between the blood donor and the recipient.
Residents allege irregularities in Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road repair work, seek official inquiry
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing maintenance work on the Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road, with local residents claiming that the project is not being executed in accordance with the approved work order. They have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sports Minister inspects construction of youth hostel in Kailashahar
Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-bed Youth Hostel at Ward No. 14 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council in Unakoti district. Senior officials of the concerned department accompanied the minister during the visit.
Infant found dead in well in North district
A pall of grief and shock has descended on North Gopalpur village in North Tripura district after the body of a 12-day-old baby girl was recovered from a well early on Saturday morning.
Ahmedabad to officially receive Commonwealth Games Flag, Host Baton at Glasgow closing ceremony
Ahmedabad's preparations to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games will formally begin on Sunday when the city receives the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
AGMC to be top medical, research centre in NE: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state government is working relentlessly to transform the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital into one of the best medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare institutions in Northeast India, while strengthening the state’s overall healthcare ecosystem.