BSP chief Mayawati to give nephew 'another chance' after his public apology

LUCKNOW: In a surprise development, BSP supremo Mayawati Sunday said she had decided to give her nephew Akash Anand another chance, after the latter issued an apology on social media platform X earlier in the day.

"Considering Akash Anand publicly accepted his mistakes in four posts that he put on X today, and assured that he will give respect to seniors, not listen to his father-in-law, and devote his life for the party and movement, it has been decided to give him one more chance," Mayawati said. Reiterating her stand to not have a successor, she said, "I am healthy right now, and till the time I remain so, I will keep working for the party and movement with full devotion, like Kanshi Ram Ji. In such a situation, there is no question of me having any successor. I am firm on my stand and will remain so."

Mayawati's reaction followed Akash's apology more than a month after being expelled from BSP. "I apologise for the tweet I posted a few days back, following which respected Behenji expelled me from the party," he said. Akash was expelled on March 3, a day after his removal as BSP national coordinator and Mayawati's successor in the party. His expulsion closely followed that of his father- in-law Ashok Siddharth, a former RS MP and old-timer in BSP, on Feb 12.

In her post, Mayawati ruled out Ashok's reinstatement. "He indulged in anti-party acts and factionalism and left no chance to destroy Akash's career," she said.

Akash said he will ensure that he does not take advice from any relative or advisor for any 'political decisions'."I acknowledge Behenji as my only political guru and ideal," he said.