Shiv Sena ropes in top poll strategist Prashant Kishor
In a curious move, Shiv Sena has roped in renowned poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who will be offering his expertise to the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Mr Kishor called on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday at his residence, Matoshree, where he addressed all party MPs. However, the issue of pre- poll alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) wasn’t discussed at the meeting, said Sena sources.
Mr Kishor, who is the vice- president of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal ( United), is known in political circles for his expertise and acumen in elections. Working as a political strategist, he had played a key role in helping Narendra Modi become a Prime Minister as BJP won an absolute majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Later Mr Kishor helped Nitish Kumar and his alliance with the Lalu Prasad Yadav- led Rashtriya Janata Dal ( RJD) win the 2015 Bihar elections. After becoming the JD( U) leader, he was also instrumental in his party snapping ties with Mr Yadav and joining the NDA.
A Shiv Sena MP present at the meeting said that Mr Kishor has offered strategic assistance to the party for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
“Mr Kishor said we should take up local- level issues concerning Maharashtra during the campaign. He has assured us that he will provide strategic help in planning the campaign and media management for Shiv Sena,” he said.