Lucknow: Amidst preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has undergone a major organizational reshuffle. Party chief Mayawati has taken a firm stance, expelling her brother-in-law and party leader Ashok Siddharth, as well as senior leader and party coordinator Randhir Singh Beniwal from the party. Both leaders were also stripped of their organizational responsibilities.
Who had what responsibility?
According to official information released by the party, Ashok Siddhartha was in charge of Delhi, Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal, while Randhir Singh Beniwal was in charge of organizational work in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Following the withdrawal of these responsibilities, the decision was made to expel both from the party.
What are the preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections?
Meanwhile, Mayawati issued a detailed statement on social media, clarifying the party’s strategy for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. She stated that she retains the final authority to select candidates. She also stated that she is personally interviewing potential candidates during meetings held at the party office in Lucknow, and that more than two dozen candidates have been finalized so far. She will also decide on candidates for the remaining seats.
Reaction given on Akash Anand
Mayawati also responded to the ongoing discussions and rumors surrounding the party’s national convener, Akash Anand. She said that many misleading claims are being spread on social media regarding his authority and role, but none of them are true. According to the BSP chief, Akash Anand is holding organizational review meetings and public meetings in various states as directed by the party. In Uttar Pradesh, he is only attending public meetings to announce candidates already finalized by the party leadership.
Advice given to be cautious of misleading advertisements
She clarified that this has nothing to do with any increase or decrease in Akash Anand’s organizational stature, nor has he been given the authority to select candidates. Mayawati appealed to party workers to be cautious of misleading propaganda and rumors being spread on social media. She said that some mischievous and casteist elements are deliberately trying to spread confusion, so workers should rely only on official party statements and directives.