Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says party cannot afford consultancy services ahead of UP Assembly polls.
May 6, 2026: The Samajwadi Party has ended its association with election consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee, citing financial constraints ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the decision was not linked to performance but due to a lack of funds.
Yadav stated that I-PAC had worked with the party only for a few months and that continuing the partnership was not financially viable. Founded by Prashant Kishor, the consultancy is known for managing major election campaigns across India. Yadav also took a swipe at the consultancy ecosystem, suggesting that multiple “winning agencies” exist.
The SP chief also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India, alleging electoral manipulation and voter disenfranchisement. He claimed irregularities in past elections and said the party would adapt its strategy based on lessons from other states while continuing its role in the INDIA alliance.