Political strategist Prashant Kishor resigns as advisor to Punjab CM

Prashant Kishor stated that as he decided to take a temporary break from an active role in public life, he will not be able to discharge his duties as the Punjab CM's Principal Advisor.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh (L) and Prashant Kishor (R).
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh (L) and Prashant Kishor (R).

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI:  With just a few months left for Assembly elections and a strong buzz over his induction in the Congress party, political strategist Prashant Kishor has resigned from the post of Principal Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Kishor said that he is yet to decide on his future course of action. “As you are aware, in view of my decision to take a temporary break from an active role in public life, I have not been able to take over the responsibilities as your Principal Advisor. Since I am yet to decide on my future course of action, I write to request you to kindly relieve me from this responsibility,’’ he wrote.

He thanked the chief minister for considering him for this position. Sources said that the decision may have been prompted by Navjot Singh Sidhu’s elevation as Punjab Congress president.

Kishor held several meetings with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the last few weeks, to revive the grand old party. There was speculation that he might joing the party as well. A senior Congress leader said that the party is mulling a suitable post for Kishor, as he has called for a free hand in decision making to revamp the party.   

In March this year, Kishor, founder of the Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC), was appointed as Principal Advisor in the rank of Cabinet minister and it was said that he would be paid `1 per month as token honorarium. Besides, he would be entitled to perks including a government residence, half a dozen staff, free transport, free air travel, telephone and medical facilities.

Earlier, when infighting in Punjab Congress was going on, former party president Rahul had a meeting with Kishor. Also, when Amarinder visited the national capital on a two-day trip, he had met Kishor.

Kishor was credited with planning and executing the 2017 Assembly polls for the Congress when the party won with a thumping majority of 77 in 117 seats. He had played a role in bringing Sidhu to the Congress prior to the previous elections. He had said that he would quit working as an election strategist after helping TMC gain whopping majority in the West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year. However, he has continued to work with TMC in Bengal.

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