The top leadership of political consultancy firm I-PAC is facing scrutiny in an alleged money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. This has led to conflicting claims about its role as an adviser to West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress just before a crucial Assembly election. I-PAC has deeply integrated itself into Trinamool operations over less than seven years, with initiatives like “Didi Ke Bolo” and “Duare Sarkar” being linked to the organization.
Former Union Culture Ministry Secretary Jawhar Sircar has referred to I-PAC as a “third force” in West Bengal, emphasizing its extensive presence at various levels within the state. Sircar highlighted that I-PAC’s influence goes beyond mere consultancy, with a setup that mirrors the party’s organizational structure. He resigned from Trinamool in 2024, citing concerns over governance issues and political corruption.
I-PAC, initially known as Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAG), was founded in 2013 by professionals like Prashant Kishor. The organization gained prominence during Narendra Modi’s 2014 campaign, employing innovative strategies like door-to-door surveys and social media outreach. With a reputation for data-driven campaigns and grassroots mobilization, I-PAC has been involved in successful election strategies across India.
