Rahul Gandhi’s “Remarks By Consultants” Jibe on Prashant Kishor’s Poll Advice in Lok Sabha Polls 2024

Prashant Kishor recently offered advice and criticism to the Congress party, specifically suggesting that Rahul Gandhi should step aside if the party’s performance drops. The Congress has dismissed Mr. Kishor’s remarks, stating that they do not warrant any comment as they come from a consultant.

In a detailed interview with the Press Trust of India, Mr. Kishor provided a checklist for the party and Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the recommendation for Gandhi to step aside if the party does not perform well in the upcoming election. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate refrained from commenting on Mr. Kishor’s remarks, emphasizing that the party does not address comments from consultants.

Mr. Kishor expressed his view that Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the party for a decade, should consider taking a break if he has been unable to deliver results during this time. He suggested that allowing someone else to take charge for five years, citing the example of Sonia Gandhi handing over party matters to PV Narasimha Rao in 1991 after her husband’s assassination, could be beneficial.

He also criticized Gandhi’s long-term leadership, stating that it goes against democratic principles. Mr. Kishor highlighted the decline of the Congress party after a decade of the UPA rule, pointing to diminished seats, national voteshare, and weakening influence in states.

He advised the Congress against mistaking the results of the assembly polls in Karnataka for a hint of their prospects in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. It’s worth noting that Mr. Kishor formally concluded his career as a poll strategist after the 2021 Bengal assembly election, where his client Mamata Banerjee achieved significant success.