Mayawati expels former UP minister Anant Kumar Mishra from BSP

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday expelled former Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Anant Kumar Mishra, popularly known as Untu Mishra, from the party with immediate effect. The action was taken over what Mayawati described as alleged “anti-party activities.” In a post on X, Mayawati confirmed Mishra’s removal, recalling that he had served as Health Minister during an earlier BSP government in Uttar Pradesh. However, she did not disclose the specific actions or incidents that prompted the expulsion.

The development comes as political preparations gather pace in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. With parties stepping up organisational efforts and campaign planning, Mayawati also urged BSP leaders, workers and office-bearers at every level to remain cautious about attempts by political rivals to weaken the party.

She said the electoral environment in the state had become increasingly intense and warned party cadres against tactics such as inducements, financial offers, pressure, punishment and efforts to create divisions within the organisation. Mayawati called on BSP members to remain united and dedicated to the party’s ideological objectives. She urged workers to work with honesty and loyalty to advance what she described as the BSP’s Ambedkarite mission.

Mishra’s expulsion is notable given his previous role in the BSP government and his association with the party. The move also highlights Mayawati’s emphasis on organisational discipline as the party prepares for the elections. The BSP has traditionally focused its political messaging on the representation of Dalits, backward classes and other marginalised communities, while drawing heavily on the principles and legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar. As the Uttar Pradesh election atmosphere intensifies, Mayawati’s latest message appears aimed at keeping the party’s grassroots organisation united and preventing internal disagreements or outside political influence from disrupting its preparations.