Jagan brings ex-I-PAC strategist Kapil Sahu on board for 2029 polls

YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has reportedly hired Kapil Sahu, a former member of Prashant Kishor’s Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), as a key political strategist. Greatandhra.com reports that Sahu, who later set up his own consulting firm and worked with Tamil actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has already started operations from Chennai and Bengaluru and is likely to open an office in Vijayawada. Jagan’s younger brother Y. S. Anil Kumar Reddy is said to have facilitated the association through his rapport with Vijay and links with Sahu’s team.

The move comes after the YSRCP’s disastrous performance in the 2024 Assembly elections, where the party was reduced to just 11 seats. Jagan had earlier worked with I-PAC under Prashant Kishor and later brought in strategist Rishiraj Singh and Alla Mohan Sai Dutt. Greatandhra.com notes that while Sahu’s appointment is part of broader efforts to revive the party ahead of the 2029 elections, political observers caution that professional strategists can provide campaign planning and voter analytics but cannot guarantee victory. The party must address organisational weaknesses, reassess policies and avoid underestimating the ruling TDP-led alliance.

Jagan has become more politically active recently, drawing large crowds at public meetings. However, the outlet says the real challenge is converting that enthusiasm into votes. The success of the new strategy team will depend on how effectively the YSRCP reconnects with voters.