Mayawati accepts Akash’s apology, but no pardon for his father-in-law

On Sunday, Akash apologised and seemed to address what Mayawati had proffered as a reason for her action that Akash was under the influence of his father-in-law and ex-BSP MP Ashok Siddharth.

Mayawati, however, made it clear there would be no reprieve for Siddharth, who was expelled from BSP in February. “But the mistakes of Akash’s father-in-law Mr Ashok Siddharth are unforgivable. He has left no stone unturned in ruining Akash’s career along with his gross anti-party activities like factionalism etc. Therefore, the question of forgiving him and taking him back into the party does not arise,” she said in her post.

“I am healthy and as long as I am healthy, like honourable Kanshi Ram ji, I will continue to work for the party and the movement with full dedication and commitment. In such a situation, there is no question of appointing my successor. I am firm on my decision and will remain so,” she said in her post in Hindi on X.

In a series of posts in Hindi on X, Akash said he considers Mayawati as his only political guru and ideal. “Today I take this vow that for the interest of Bahujan Samaj Party, I will not let my relations and especially my in-laws become an obstacle,” he said and apologised for his post on X due to which Mayawati had expelled him from the party.

“And from now on I will ensure that I will not take any advice from any relative or advisor for any of my political decisions. And I will only follow the directives given by respected Behen-ji. And I will respect my elders and seniors in the party and will learn a lot from their experiences,” he wrote.

Akash appealed to Mayawati to forgive his mistakes and give him another chance to work in the party again and assured that he will not make any such mistake which would hurt the self-respect and self-esteem of the party and Mayawati.

Taking note of his contrition, Mayawati said, “After being expelled from the party, Akash has been continuously contacting people to apologise for all his mistakes and to not repeat such mistakes in future. And today he has publicly accepted his mistakes and has expressed his resolve to not follow his father-in-law’s advice anymore.”

In March, Akash was replaced by RS MP Ramji Gautam as the party’s national coordinator, a post he held until 2022. Mayawati also appointed Anand Kumar, Akash’s father, to largely manage the Delhi affairs, look after paperwork, and meet workers.

A day after sacking Akash, Mayawati expelled him from the party on March 3 over a social media post. Mayawati wrote that her nephew instead of “repenting” had offered a “lengthy response” which is “not of his remorse and political maturity, but is largely selfish, arrogant… under the influence of his father-in-law…”

This came hours after Akash had responded on X on his removal as national coordinator, swearing unfailing loyalty to her. Mayawati had said: “Now, I have decided that there will be no successor for me in the party till my last breath.”