2017 Punjab Assembly polls: Amarinder goes to Nitish’s strategist

The source confirmed that Kishor and Amarinder have met two-three times in Delhi and discussed the political scenario in Punjab.

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The new Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh. (Source: PTI photo)

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh has approached political strategist Prashant Kishor for his campaign for the Punjab 2017 Assembly elections.

Amarinder has already held meetings with Kishor who is credited with the victory of the Grand Alliance in Bihar and with making Prime Minister Narendra Modi a brand ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

But the final decision on roping him in for the Punjab elections has to be taken by AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Amarinder told The Indian Express.

If given a green signal, Kishor will come to Punjab to study the state and its political dynamics. “He would require around 20 days to study the state,” a source close to Kishor said.

The source confirmed that Kishor and Amarinder have met two-three times in Delhi and discussed the political scenario in Punjab.

Kishor is said to have conveyed that while he finds Amarinder a “genuine” leader, who wants to “turn Punjab around”, as an outside strategist, he would need a free hand while chalking up the campaign, including a say in ticket allocation and forming alliances.

“In Bihar, Kishor was a strategist for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the authority to decide on anything ended with Nitish. Amarinder does not represent a regional party. His limitation is that he is a part of a national party. He can provide Kishor operational freedom in his domain but certain issues are beyond him. Kishor is coming down to Punjab is subject to how much ground the Congress is willing to concede to him till the elections,” said the source.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More