The sudden visit of popular political strategist Prashant Kishor to Andhra Pradesh to hold meetings with Telugu Desam Party top brass last week has kicked up a lot of debate in political circles.
Though Kishor declared that he was retiring as an election strategist in 2021, his meeting with TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and son Nara Lokesh at the latter’s Vundavalli residence was a clear indication that the strategist is back to his old business.
Prashant Kishor declared that he had nothing to do with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) which he had founded, at least technically, but sources said he certainly has stakes in the organisation.
“This is not like a company, but a trust-kind of organisation registered in the name of employees. Yet, Kishor was getting his share from I-PAC as founder, despite disassociating himself from the organisation,” sources said.
However, I-PAC, now headed by Rishi Raj Singh in Andhra Pradesh, has reportedly stopped sending funds to Kishor’s Jan Suraj yatra, which did not caught up well with the people of Bihar. What is more, Prashant Kishor was running short of resources to run the movement.
With Rishi team virtually dumping Prashant, the latter has decided to get back into his past activity of political strategist. So, he joined hands with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.
Sources said Kishor still maintains good relations with Showtime Consulting firm headed by his erstwhile colleagues Robbin Sharma and COO Shantanu Singh, who has not been able to meet the requirements of the TDP in Andhra Pradesh in full scale.
So, when Prashant entered the scene, things have changed rapidly. Both Robbin and Shantanu welcomed their former colleague on board to help Naidu in the coming elections.
“The old relations have rekindled, leading Prashant to agree to come on board, and from now on, he will work with Show Time — providing guidance on narratives, messaging, and surveys as needed,“ sources added.
Though it is not immediately confirmed, Prashant Kishor was offered considerable stake in Showtime Consulting, so that he would help the company make it big.
“The entry of Prashant Kishor will definitely bring a new image to the company. And if the TDP can come to power with Prashant Kishor advices, it will be a big boost to Showtime Consulting which can get more projects, “ sources added.
Apparently, the Showtime Consulting team is of the view that Prashant’s entry will be an advantage for Naidu, as he is aware of the in and outs of the YSRCP.
“Even Shantanu Singh, who had worked with I-PAC till March 2022, has fair knowledge about the strategies of Jagan. Hence, it will help the TDP rework its strategies,” sources added.