Political strategist Prashant Kishor, known for his role in shaping election outcomes across India, recently disclosed the substantial fees he commands for his strategic services, which reportedly exceed ₹100 crore per campaign. Kishor made the revelation while addressing supporters in Belaganj, Bihar, as part of his campaign for the upcoming by-elections in the state, according to India Today.
During the event, which included many members of the Muslim community, Kishor addressed frequent questions about the source of funding for his Jan Suraj campaign. “Ten governments in different states are running on my strategies. Do you think I won’t have enough money to set up tents and canopies for my campaign? Do you think I am that weak?” Kishor asked the crowd. He further explained, “In Bihar, no one has heard of fees like mine. If I advise someone in just one election, my fee is ₹100 crore or even more. For the next two years, I can continue to fund my campaign with just one such election advice.”
The disclosure comes as Kishor is actively campaigning in Belaganj and other areas for the by-elections in Imamganj, Ramgarh, and Tarari. These constituencies are holding by-polls following the resignation of MLAs who were recently elected to the Lok Sabha.
Prashant Kishor’s career as a political strategist has seen him work with several major political parties in India, often contributing to landmark victories:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Kishor first gained national recognition in 2014 as the chief strategist for Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign, which led to a resounding victory for the BJP.
Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)): In the 2015 Bihar assembly elections, Kishor played a critical role in securing a victory for Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) as part of the RJD-Congress alliance, effectively blocking the BJP’s progress in the state.
Congress: Kishor worked with the Congress Party in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, though the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful. However, he later assisted the Congress in securing a victory in the 2021 Punjab assembly elections.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP): In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh assembly elections, Kishor advised YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, leading to a significant victory that helped consolidate YSRCP’s power in the state.
Trinamool Congress (TMC): Kishor’s strategic insight was instrumental in the 2021 West Bengal elections, where he helped Mamata Banerjee and the TMC fend off a strong challenge from the BJP.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): He briefly advised the AAP during the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, contributing to its landslide victory.
Kishor’s remark about his fees sheds light on the lucrative nature of high-level political consultancy in India, where he has set a benchmark in election strategy with a proven track record. The Bihar by-elections, scheduled for early November, will provide an opportunity for Kishor to test his own political influence as he campaigns on behalf of Jan Suraj, a movement he leads aiming to bring systemic change to Bihar politics.
As Kishor takes his own campaign into Bihar’s political battleground, his past successes and deep understanding of India’s political landscape have made his services highly sought after by major political players. This disclosure also underscores his financial independence in sustaining his current campaign without relying on external donations, reinforcing his position as a prominent figure in Indian politics.