As predicted in these columns a few weeks ago, YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has re-engaged the political strategy agency, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), to work with the party once again.
According to highly placed sources, after repeated requests and negotiations led by I-PAC head Rishi Raj Singh, Jagan has agreed to bring the consultancy firm back on board to develop campaign strategies for the party over the next four years.
Unlike in the past, when I-PAC was paid a significant lump sum as consultants, they will now be compensated at a rate of Rs 2 crore per month, totaling around Rs 24 crore annually. Over the next four years, this would amount to approximately Rs 96 crore.
Currently, I-PAC is expected to operate from Vijayawada with a compact team headed by a second-in-command to Rishi Raj Singh. This team will focus on rebuilding the YSRCP’s image and developing strategies to expose the perceived failures of the Naidu government.
“Rishi Raj Singh may step in at a later stage to design the election campaign strategies,” sources said.
Interestingly, Jagan’s decision to rehire I-PAC comes despite the firm’s past mistakes, which many believe compromised the party’s chances in the previous elections.
Sources indicate that Rishi Raj Singh, struggling to find clients in other states, approached Jagan and proposed a new strategy to revitalize the party in preparation for the upcoming elections. He offered his services to help the YSRCP reorganize and strengthen its base.
“Since Jagan anticipates the possibility of early state assembly elections in 2027, he believes it’s prudent to begin preparations now. Additionally, he needs a dedicated strategy team to work on outreach plans, so he has decided to bring I-PAC back,” sources added.
I-PAC’s familiarity with the party's operations and grassroots connections could make it a more practical choice for the YSRCP compared to hiring a new consultancy, which would require significant time to integrate and familiarize with the party’s workings.
