New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) The leadership at I-PAC, a prominent political consultancy, is now facing intense scrutiny due to a suspected money laundering investigation initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This scrutiny comes at a critical juncture, just days before West Bengal's Assembly elections, raising questions about its advisory role to the ruling Trinamool Congress.

In a relatively short span of seven years, I-PAC has woven itself into the fabric of Trinamool's operations. Initiatives such as “Didi Ke Bolo” and “Duare Sarkar” (government at your doorstep) have become synonymous with I-PAC’s influence.

“Many of Trinamool’s concepts and initiatives are being co-opted by I-PAC,” a party member claimed, asserting that Chief Minister and party leader Mamata Banerjee occasionally finds herself “misled” by what he termed the “corporate takeover of the party.”

Former Union Culture Ministry Secretary Jawhar Sircar characterized I-PAC as a “third force” within the state, stating on Facebook: “I-PAC is not just a consulting agency engaged by Trinamool; their presence extends significantly into various governance layers in West Bengal, including block offices, panchayats, Assembly and parliamentary constituencies, and districts. There exists a parallel structure to I-PAC.”

Sircar, who resigned from the Trinamool in September 2024 over governance and corruption concerns, highlighted the extensive reach of I-PAC.

Known for its data-driven election strategies and grassroots mobilization, I-PAC has worked with a diverse range of political entities across India. The organization combines technology with youth engagement and innovative tactics, producing both electoral triumphs and controversies.

Trinamool leaders and Sircar have pointed out the consultant's extensive involvement in governance. “It resembles a shadowy entity,” Sircar remarked, adding, “It’s a well-paid organization, which raises questions about its funding sources.”

Though I-PAC's services are perceived as costly, the specific pricing details remain undisclosed.

Established in 2013 under the name Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAG) by professionals like Prashant Kishor, Pratik Jain, Rishi Raj Singh, and Vinesh Chandel, I-PAC made its mark during Narendra Modi's 2014 national campaign, pioneering grassroots election strategies that included door-to-door surveys, data analytics, and social media outreach, ultimately aiding in a decisive electoral win.

Catchphrases like “Abki Bar, Modi Sarkar” and “Chai Pe Charcha” are often credited to I-PAC's early strategic efforts, along with innovative campaign formats such as 3D rallies.

Rebranding as the Indian Political Action Committee, I-PAC attracted a wave of young, tech-savvy individuals, particularly those aged 25-28. Its strength lies in robust ground networks gathering detailed voter data on critical issues like healthcare and employment, enhanced by digital intelligence.

This grassroots approach, in contrast to traditional top-down strategies, enabled focused campaigns, establishing I-PAC's reputation as a “kingmaker.”

In Bihar (2015), Nitish Kumar’s coalition triumphed with a seven-point agenda shaped by engagements in over 42,000 villages, reaching nearly four crore residents. Similarly, in Punjab (2017), Congress regained power under Captain Amarinder Singh through various campaign formats.

I-PAC also significantly contributed to the YSRCP’s triumph in Andhra Pradesh (2019), AAP’s success in Delhi (2020), and the Trinamool Congress's performance in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. In 2022, the DMK, led by M. K. Stalin, achieved a decisive victory in Tamil Nadu.

However, not every campaign met with success. The Uttar Pradesh elections in 2017 proved disappointing despite Rahul Gandhi's vigorous outreach. Similarly, the YSRCP faced a major defeat in Andhra Pradesh (2024), leading to critiques about flawed surveys and leadership distancing from Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Trinamool Congress’s expansion efforts beyond West Bengal also yielded limited success in states like Tripura, Meghalaya, and Goa.

Critics have raised concerns about Prashant Kishor's political setbacks in Bihar last year, questioning his effectiveness in current political scenarios.

As the investigation progresses, the Trinamool Congress has accused central agencies of “intimidation,” with Mamata Banerjee expressing support for affected I-PAC personnel. Conversely, the BJP has labeled I-PAC as a “slush-money front.”

The organization’s future now depends on the outcomes of ongoing legal proceedings and electoral performance, with West Bengal's results set to serve as a pivotal test.