Prashant Kishor: The Kingmaker of Indian Politics

Prashant Kishor, also known as “P.K.”, is a political strategist from India who is renowned for his success in leading various political parties to victory. He gained recognition during the 2014 national elections when he skillfully designed campaigns and innovative communication strategies for the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi. He is known for his ability to establish a personal connection with voters and effectively communicate his policies. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished political strategists of his generation. 

Life Before Politics: A Passion for Public Health

Kishor’s journey into politics did not begin in political corridors but in the field of public health. He spent his early years in Bihar and later pursued a degree in engineering. Later, he shifted his focus to rural development after obtaining his Master’s degree in Rural Development from Patna University. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, Kishor spent eight years working as a public health specialist for the United Nations on various healthcare programs across Africa. This experience proved to be invaluable as it equipped him with skills in data analysis, community mobilisation, and grassroots development – skills that became the foundation of his political strategies.

Major Works and Contributions: Crafting Victories with Precision

Kishor’s emergence as a significant force in politics occurred in 2012 when he played a vital role in helping Narendra Modi win a third term as Chief Minister of Gujarat. This achievement established him as a prominent player in the political arena. He continued to play a crucial part in Modi’s historic victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, further solidifying his reputation as a master strategist.

His signature is his ability to understand voter sentiment, strategise effectively, and leverage ground data. He founded the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) with the aim of bringing younger professionals and students into the political process by building a team of sharp minds dedicated to crafting winning campaigns.

Throughout the years, he has achieved success across party lines in various regions of the country. He played a crucial role in helping Nitish Kumar clinch a third term in Bihar, as well as Captain Amarinder Singh in Punjab and Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility and adaptability by leading Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party to victory in Delhi.

Awards and Recognition Gained By the Maestro of Indian Politics

Kishor has gained widespread recognition for his work. Forbes India featured him in their “20 People to Watch in the 2020s” list, highlighting his exceptional influence on Indian politics. Kishor’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, expertise, and the desire to make a difference. He has transformed Indian politics and demonstrated that data-driven strategies and an understanding of the people can lead to electoral success.

Life After Politics: A New Chapter Unfolds

After leading the Trinamool Congress and DMK to victories in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in 2021, Kishor announced his retirement as a political strategist and tactician. However, his passion for public service remains strong, and he recently embarked on a 3,000 km “Padyatra” across Bihar to connect with the people directly.