Poll strategist Prashant Kishor has resigned from the post of principal advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in view of his "decision to take a temporary break from active role in public life."
The move comes even as the state is set to go to assembly polls next year and the Congress party's central leadership managed to broker a temporary truce between Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and the chief minister.
“As you are aware, in view of my decision to take a temporary break from active role in public life, I have not been able to take over the responsibilities as your principal advisor. Since I am yet to decide on my future course of action, I write to request you to kindly relieve me from this responsibility. I take this opportunity to thank you for considering me for this position,” Kishor said in a letter to the chief minister.
Kishore was appointed to the post in March this year. The chief minister had then taken to Twitter to announce his appointment saying, "Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab!" He was appointed "in the rank and status of a cabinet minister."
However, an NDTV report suggested that Kishore never got on to the job.
His resignation comes a few weeks after he met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid speculations that Kishore might have a bigger role to play in the upcoming state and national elections. Kishor had also held talks with NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
A recent news report suggested that Rahul Gandhi had brainstormed with senior party leaders on the pros and cons of Kishor joining the Congress.
After the West Bengal assembly polls earlier this year, Kishor had said he would quit working as an election strategist. He had joined the Janata Dal (United) a few years ago, but had parted ways with the Nitish Kumar-led party subsequently.
