Prashant Kishor, one of India’s most influential political strategists, has reshaped campaign tactics across the political landscape, working behind the scenes with major parties. Recently, Kishor revealed that he has charged over Rs 100 crore to advise top leaders and fund his own political endeavors, including the formation of his Jan Suraaj Party. At a recent rally in Bihar, he explained that his fee from a single election consultancy can sustain his party’s activities for up to two years, allowing him to campaign without relying on external funding.
Kishor’s career took off with his role in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 2014 campaign, which swept Narendra Modi to the Prime Minister’s office. His work showcased a new, data-driven approach to politics, blending regional nuances and strategic messaging. The win cemented Kishor’s reputation as a formidable campaign expert. In 2015, he brought his skillset to Bihar, aligning with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the RJD-Congress alliance. The coalition victory against the BJP further solidified his standing as a key strategist who could shift the balance in polarized elections.
Kishor’s impact continued across different parties and regions, including the YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh. In 2019, his strategies helped Jagan Mohan Reddy unseat the ruling party, marking a significant shift in Andhra’s political scene. His focus on local issues and grassroots appeal proved highly effective. His influence extended to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as well, contributing to AAP’s landslide victory in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections by highlighting the party’s governance record in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
One of Kishor’s most prominent campaigns came in 2021 when he aided Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) in defending West Bengal against the BJP’s intense electoral push. Kishor’s strategy helped her retain power in a critical election.
Now, Kishor has transitioned from strategist to political leader, launching the Jan Suraaj Party in Bihar on October 2. He aims to bring a fresh approach to state politics, advocating for candidates with “clean images”. However, this commitment has been questioned, as three of the four candidates he fielded in the upcoming Bihar by-elections reportedly face criminal charges.
As Kishor moves forward, his journey reflects a unique blend of ambition and pragmatism. With financial independence secured through his consulting fees, he is poised to build his party without the pressures of external funding. Whether Jan Suraaj will make an impact in Bihar or serve as a broader experiment in Indian politics remains to be seen, but Kishor’s shift from behind-the-scenes influencer to party leader marks a significant evolution in his political journey.
