Ashok Siddharth Retires From Politics After Mayawati Sets Condition For Akash Anand

In a significant development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Ashok Siddharth, the father-in-law of Mayawati's nephew Akash Anand, has officially announced his retirement from active politics. This announcement was made through a post on the social media platform X, following a specific condition laid down by the BSP supremo Mayawati just a day prior. The move is seen as a direct response to Mayawati's public advice and the internal dynamics of the party leadership.

The Ultimatum from Mayawati

The retirement announcement follows a stern message from Mayawati, who had used a social media post to target Ashok Siddharth. In her post, Mayawati had claimed that the personal ambitions and self-interest of Ashok Siddharth were proving to be detrimental to the political career of his son-in-law, Akash Anand, while she had explicitly stated that for the sake of the BSP movement and the future of Akash Anand, Siddharth should consider stepping away from politics entirely. Mayawati suggested that if Siddharth retired, it would allow Akash Anand to work freely within the party, and only then would the party leadership sympathetically consider restoring Anand's previous responsibilities.

Ashok Siddharth's Emotional Response

Responding to the directive, Ashok Siddharth expressed his deep respect and unwavering loyalty to Mayawati, while in his post on X, he addressed her as Sister (Behen Ji) and stated that her orders hold more value to him than anything else in the world. He emphasized that his family and personal relationships are secondary to her commands. Siddharth highlighted his long-standing association with the party, noting that he has been dedicated to the mission of the BSP, Manyawar Kanshi Ram, and Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar for the past 35 years under Mayawati's guidance.

A Career Dedicated to the Mission

Reflecting on his political journey, Ashok Siddharth credited Mayawati for his rise in the political sphere, while he acknowledged that it was because of her support that a common worker like him was able to serve as a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and the Rajya Sabha. He expressed profound gratitude for being treated as a member of her family, describing it as a debt that he could never repay in his lifetime. He further asserted his integrity by swearing an oath in the name of Kanshi Ram, stating that he has never worked against the interests of the party and could never imagine doing anything against Mayawati.

The Future of Akash Anand

The retirement of Ashok Siddharth is expected to clear the path for Akash Anand's return to a prominent role within the BSP. Mayawati had noted in her earlier post that there is a general consensus within the party that once Siddharth steps aside, the party can reconsider Anand's active role. Siddharth concluded his announcement by stating that every piece of advice and every order from Mayawati is the final word for him and his family, reaffirming their lifelong indebtedness to her leadership.