Mayawati's feud with former BSP leader shows no signs of cooling

Uttar Pradesh's influential BSP chief Mayawati has refused to let go of her anger towards Ashok Siddharth, a former high-ranking party leader, despite his decision to step away from political activities. The continued tension underscores the fractious nature of internal party dynamics within the social justice outfit.

According to party insiders, Mayawati has attributed the travails of Aakash Anand, another significant party figure, to Siddharth's actions and influence. The BSP supremo has held Siddharth personally responsible for the difficulties Anand has encountered, signalling that her displeasure extends beyond Siddharth's own political standing.

The internal discord comes at a time when the BSP faces electoral challenges across northern India. The protracted grievance between senior party figures raises questions about cohesion within the organization and Mayawati's ability to manage factional tensions among her leadership circle.

While Siddharth's exit from active politics might have been expected to bring closure to the matter, Mayawati's continued recriminations suggest deeper schisms within the party that may take considerably longer to heal.