Poll strategist Prashant Kishor has resigned as Principal Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh citing his decision to "take a temporary break from active role in public life".
"In view of my decision to take a temporary break from active role in public life, I've not been able to take over the responsibilities as your Principal Advisor. I request you to kindly relieve me from this responsibility," Prashant Kishor wrote in his letter to Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh
Kishor was appointed as the Principal Advisor of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in March this year. The CM made the announcement on Twitter and wrote, "Prashant Kishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab."
The move is bound to disappoint the Chief Minister ahead of the Punjab election next year, which he approaches amid a fragile truce with his rival Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The strategist's appointment was announced by Amarinder Singh in March, when Kishor was managing a harrowing Bengal campaign for Mamata Banerjee versus the BJP. Sources close to Kishor say he never really took on the job.
Much has changed since then. "There is no point getting involved in state elections when the entire focus is on 2024," said the sources, referring to the opposition's moves to join forces ahead of the next general election.
Last month, he met with all three Gandhis on the possibility of a more active role in the 2024 campaign, be it as an adviser or as a member of the Congress.
Mamata Banerjee, who continues to be advised by Kishor, recently made her first trip to Delhi since her election victory and held politically significant talks amid signals that she is ready for a bigger political role beyond Bengal. The Bengal Chief Minister also met with Kishor in Delhi.
