Lucknow, January 16: Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati celebrated her 63rd birthday on Tuesday, and with this, the speculation over her political heir has gained momentum. On this occasion, several party workers, allies and political leaders made their presence felt, by the limelight was stolen by one youth, roaming with the BSP stalwart. Is he the political heir of the Dalit icon?

Dressed in a blue suit and roaming close to Mayawati, the young man has been identified as Akash Kumar – BSP chief’s nephew and Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar's son. According to the party sources, speculations are high that Mayawati could launch him in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and give him the command to lead the youth wing of the party. However, nothing is confirmed as of yet. Mayawati Birthday Cake 'Looted' at Event in Amroha, People Pounce To Get A Piece; Watch Video.

Party sources also reveal that Mayawati has been taking suggestions from Akash after the 2014 Lok Sabha electoral debacle and been in touch with him to revive the social media strategies. Later Akash was given the charge to handle BSP’s social media handle, but never came in front of the camera.

With Anand Kumar being made the national vice president of BSP in September 2019, the speculation of London-returned Akash Kumar being declared the political heir of Mayawati might not be far. It would be interesting to see how and when the BSP chief announces Akash Kumar as her deputy.

The decision is seen similar to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has depicted her nephew Abhishek Banerjee as her political heir and the new development in Uttar Pradesh is something other parties are looking at.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2019 05:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).