Prem Sagar Pandey – Bihar
You can also publish your article on our Journal ( Send your article at this Mail – joidconsultancy@gmail.com /Ph – 8617562543 WA-7584931893 )
A Perspective from Within the Field
Political consultancy in India once stood as a beacon of possibility, a professional domain that promised to merge creativity, strategy, and data-driven insights with the larger purpose of strengthening democracy. It was not merely about winning elections, but about reshaping the political process with innovation, professionalism, and youthful energy. The rise of Prashant Kishor (PK) brought unprecedented credibility to this field. He combined strategic brilliance with an understanding of ground realities, setting a benchmark for how political campaigns could be run in a structured, impactful, and ethical manner.
However, the last few years have revealed a grim reality: the very space that once drew some of India’s brightest young minds has deteriorated into one of the most toxic professional environments. And much of this decline coincides with the exit of leaders like Kishor, whose presence had instilled both direction and discipline.
From Visionaries to Opportunists
The post-Kishor era has not been marked by the rise of new visionaries but by the mushrooming of opportunists. Today, anyone with access to a laptop and a political WhatsApp group calls themselves a “consultant.” Many of these self-styled experts neither possess the intellectual depth nor the professional ethics required to sustain this industry. Their interest lies not in the science of politics or the art of democratic engagement, but in extracting quick financial gains.
This shift has created a deeply exploitative culture. Young professionals, often motivated by idealism and passion for politics, are lured with promises of “big campaigns” and “historic projects.” Yet, once inside, they encounter a very different reality: delayed or denied payments, a total disregard for professional courtesy, and an arrogance that stems from inflated titles of “supremo” and “chief strategist.” Instead of being platforms for innovation, many firms have become playgrounds for ego battles and personal profiteering.
A Culture of Exploitation
Having worked within this ecosystem, I have seen firsthand how these so-called consultants misuse the energy of young, bright individuals. Teams are made to work around the clock under the pretense of being part of something “historic,” only to discover that their efforts are neither valued nor rewarded. Payments are frequently withheld, sometimes for months, and at times, never delivered at all. Even more concerning is the normalization of this exploitation—those who dare to question the system are often sidelined, while those who engage in flattery and sycophancy are promoted.
The result is a culture that actively discourages merit. Loyalty, honesty, and hard work are penalized, while opportunism and blind obedience are celebrated. This is not merely unfair to individuals; it is corrosive to the industry as a whole, because it alienates genuine talent and drives out the very people who could have elevated this space.
The Symbolism of Kishor’s Exit
The departure of Prashant Kishor was more than just the exit of one individual—it symbolized the decline of professionalism in political consultancy. Under his leadership, there was at least a semblance of structure, accountability, and vision. Teams felt that their contributions mattered, and there was a sense of larger purpose attached to the work.
In his absence, opportunism has flourished unchecked. Without strong, ethical leadership, the industry has lost its guardrails. Instead of innovation, we now see recycling of stale campaign ideas. Instead of professionalism, we see personality cults. And instead of nurturing young talent, we see widespread disillusionment.
The Way Forward
The decline of political consultancy in India is not irreversible. But for the industry to survive, let alone thrive, it must reclaim its integrity. This means putting in place systems that ensure:
Transparency in contracts and payments – Young professionals must be compensated fairly and on time.
Respect for talent – Genuine contribution must be valued above sycophancy.
Professionalism over opportunism – Firms must adopt clear codes of conduct and organizational discipline.
Leadership with vision – The space desperately needs leaders who see consultancy not just as a business, but as a vehicle to deepen democracy.
If these changes are not embraced, the field risks losing the very people who once made it vibrant—young, passionate professionals who entered this industry not merely for money, but to play a role in shaping India’s democratic journey.
Conclusion
Political consultancy began with hope and idealism, but today it finds itself at a crossroads. The industry has drifted away from its original promise, sliding instead into a culture of exploitation and arrogance. Prashant Kishor’s exit has come to represent not just the loss of one man, but the erosion of an ethos.
The question now is whether the industry can course-correct. Will it continue to allow opportunism to dominate, or will it return to the values of professionalism, integrity, and innovation? The answer will determine whether political consultancy in India becomes a sustainable profession that nurtures young talent or a cautionary tale of how opportunism can destroy even the most promising of ideas.
Our other articles : The Decline of CPI in Bihar Politics: From Vanguard to the Margins | The Quad As An Asian NATO | 100 Best Books of the 21st Century by The New York Times | How Bihar’s SIR Revision Threatens Congress’s Chances in Its Mission 58| From Sushasan Babu to Survival Babu | PK’s 2030 Gameplan | Does Bengal Have a PR Problem? | A scenario of “What ifs” in Bihar | German Chancellor Fellowship discussion |Mission 58: How Congress Plans to Flip Bihar | Bengal Bellwether – 2 | Bengal Bellwether – 1 | India United – India’s message is loud & clear on terrorism a diplomatic strike on terror| The Indian Stock Market is bleeding | SUPER NARI – 25 | Caste and the Ballot in Bihar | The suicidal mission of Pakistan’s so called ‘Establishment’ | Who is Responsible for Bihar’s Migration Crisis? | Why Congress must go solo in Bihar | Jai Bhim | Old is Gold , Resurrection of ‘Dynasty Politics’ | China Faces 125% Tariff by USA: A Strategic Opportunity for India | When the Accuser Becomes the Accused
Books that enriches – Westbengal Changing Colours Chnaging Challenges by Sitaram Sharma | India after Gandhi by Ramchandra Guha | Contesting democratic deficit by Salman Khurshid | The election that surprised India By Rajdeep Sardesai
Prem Sagar Pandey is a political consultant and content creator with experience in major election campaigns across Bihar, Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. He also runs Pandeyjkememes on Instagram, where he engages audiences with political and social content.