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Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Siddharth has announced his retirement from active politics, bringing a fresh twist to the ongoing internal developments within the party. In a letter addressed to BSP supremo Mayawati, Siddharth rejected allegations that he had attempted to take control of the party and described the claims against him as part of a conspiracy.
Siddharth also referred to the alleged role of some party functionaries in the developments against him. According to sources, his remarks are being seen as an indirect reference to two senior office-bearers with whom he has reportedly had differences for some time.
The former MP has faced growing differences within the BSP over the past two years. He was expelled from the party on two occasions and faced allegations linked to the party’s functioning during the Maharashtra and Delhi elections. He was also accused of indiscipline and violating party directions.
In the latest action against him, allegations were reportedly made that Siddharth had attempted to influence the political affairs of Uttar Pradesh. These developments have also brought to the fore the reported differences between Siddharth and some senior party functionaries.
The internal tussle is believed to have had a bearing on the political equation surrounding Akash Anand as well. People familiar with developments inside the party have discussed the need for changes in the working style of some functionaries close to the party leadership. There has also been speculation that certain remarks made by Akash Anand’s supporters were presented before the leadership in a different context.
Antu Mishra’s expulsion and changing equations
The expulsion of former minister Anant Kumar Mishra, popularly known as Antu Mishra, has also been linked by party observers to the developments surrounding Ashok Siddharth.
Mayawati expelled Siddharth from the BSP on August 3, while Antu Mishra was removed from the party around ten days later. His close association with Siddharth is being cited as one of the factors behind the action, although the party’s decisions need to be viewed in the context of its own stated reasons.
The latest developments have triggered discussions about changing equations within the BSP. There is also speculation in political circles about a possible return of Akash Anand to a more active role, although there has been no confirmation of such a move in the information available.
Siddharth rejects allegations, says conspiracy will be exposed
In his emotional letter to Mayawati, Siddharth strongly rejected allegations that he was trying to take control of the BSP. He described the allegations as a conspiracy allegedly engineered by opponents involved in activities against the party and said the truth would come out one day.
Siddharth also sought to clarify his relationship with Akash Anand. He said he had never misled Akash and claimed that they had not even met for several months.
He further requested Mayawati not to link his retirement from politics with any possible return of Akash Anand. Siddharth said Mayawati’s instructions were above personal relationships and family ties for him.
In an emotional statement, he invoked Gautam Buddha and Kanshi Ram and said he had never worked against the interests of the BSP. He maintained that giving responsibility to Akash Anand was Mayawati’s decision.
Siddharth said that if his political and social activities were causing any damage to the party’s mission, he was ready to step away from politics immediately.
The former Rajya Sabha MP’s announcement comes at a time when the BSP is dealing with significant internal political developments. Whether his retirement brings an end to the reported differences or leads to further changes within the party remains to be seen.
