The opposition YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh has begun preparations for the 2029 Assembly elections, with party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy making all-out efforts to regain power.
According to sources, as part of this strategy, Jagan is reportedly exploring the appointment of a new political strategist to guide the party’s election campaign.
Senior party leaders say discussions are underway to engage Kapil Sahu, a political strategist who is credited with playing a significant role in the successful campaign of Tamil Nadu TVK chief Vijay.
Jagan has already intensified his political campaign against the ruling alliance and is expected to begin district-level tours in the coming months. He has also announced plans to undertake a statewide padayatra next year.
In previous elections, the YSRCP relied on different professional campaign teams associated with the Indian Political Action Committee, or I-PAC.
Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s team assisted the party in the 2019 elections, while Rishi Raj Singh’s team is said to have worked with the party during the 2024 campaign. Following the electoral defeat, the YSRCP reportedly ended its association with I-PAC.
Party sources said Jagan has held discussions with more than one prominent strategist but has not yet taken a final decision.
Senior YSRCP leaders are also believed to have held key consultations in Bengaluru regarding the party’s future campaign strategy.
Kapil Sahu, who earlier worked with Prashant Kishor’s team, reportedly played a major role in Vijay’s campaign by designing innovative digital outreach programmes and public engagement initiatives that helped expand the actor’s appeal across different sections of society. He is said to have continued working with Vijay even after the election.
The YSRCP is now reportedly considering engaging Sahu for its own campaign.
According to party sources, preliminary discussions have already taken place, and if the negotiations are successful, he could emerge as the party’s chief political strategist for the 2029 elections.
