Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the party has ended its association with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), citing financial constraints rather than political reasons.Speaking at a press conference, Yadav clarified that the party had briefly engaged I-PAC as part of its early preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, but was unable to sustain the arrangement due to limited resources. “Yes, we had an association. They worked with us for a few months, but we are not able to continue because we do not have that kind of funding,” he said, as quoted by PTI.He pushed back against speculation that the move was linked to recent electoral outcomes, calling such claims unfounded adding, “There is no such thing. Do not ask questions based on baseless reports. That is not true.””This is not the reason for ending the agreement. We simply do not have enough funds. If you (the media) give us funds, we can hire another company,” the former Uttar Pradesh CM further clarified.I-PAC, a prominent political consultancy known for managing campaign strategies across India, has previously been associated with election strategist Prashant Kishor, who has worked with multiple parties, including the BJP and the Congress.Taking a swipe at the growing ecosystem of political consultancies, Yadav remarked that there is no shortage of firms offering campaign services, from survey agencies and social media managers to outfits specialising in negative campaigning. He added, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that more such companies could be brought on board if resources permitted, without naming them.This comes as reports had earlier swirled about uncertainty on the tie-up intensified after the Trinamool Congress’s electoral setback in West Bengal, where I-PAC has been handling campaign strategy since 2019.Sources had indicated that while I-PAC made a presentation to the SP leadership outlining a possible campaign blueprint, talks never progressed into a formal agreement. Party insiders had also suggested that Akhilesh Yadav was not fully convinced about bringing the consultancy on board, even as discussions were initiated at the instance of the TMC leadership.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTeesta Issue Explained: Can Bengal Result Unlock Deal As China Factor Raises StakesISIS-Linked Bioterror Conspiracy Case: NIA Files Chargesheet Against Three AccusedIndia–US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, One Final Hurdle Left Before Signing: Christopher LandauSP-I-PAC Deal Collapses Ahead Of 2027 UP Polls:ED Arrest, Electoral Setbacks Trigger Strategic ResetSecurity alert in Punjab after Jalandhar and Amritsar blast incidentsDMK Hits Out As Congress Directs TNCC To Take Final Call On Vijay’s Support Request’Historic, Decisive’: Trump Congratulates PM Modi Over BJP’s Win In Bengal ElectionsDefeat but ‘Moral Win’? Mamata Targets EC, Hints At BIGGER Opposition AlliancePower Bank Catches Fire On IndiGo Hyderabad-Chandigarh Flight, All Passengers And Crew EvacuatedIndia Seeks To Lease Three Ultra Heavy Lift Helicopters To Boost Capability123PhotostoriesFrom mamba to kingsnake: 8 black snake species that will surprise you for unusual reasonsStop throwing mango seeds: 5 lesser-known culinary uses of mango seeds you didn’t know aboutHantavirus outbreak raises questions: Doctors bust common myths and share factsIndia’s Fastest Delhi–Meerut RRTS Corridor Hits 3 Crore Riders in Record TimeGK Fact of the Day: 7 fascinating flightless birds from across the globePlants thought to be native to India but were actually brought from foreign countriesEnd to traffic woes? Chilla road boost for Delhi-Noida commuteHow destination weddings are shaping décor and driving real estate trends in IndiaNever share THESE 5 things with your colleagues: Pune techie warns about the mistakes that can ruin your career5 style lessons to take from Trisha Krishnan123Hot PicksGSEB 10th Result 2026Delhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingNFL Trade RumorsIPL 2026 Orange CapCBSE Class 10 admit card 2026IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosJalandhar BlastNEET 2026: Exam-day guideGSEB Class 10th result 2026TVK Chief Vijay
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the party has ended its association with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), citing financial constraints rather than political reasons.Speaking at a press conference, Yadav clarified that the party had briefly engaged I-PAC as part of its early preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, but was unable to sustain the arrangement due to limited resources. “Yes, we had an association. They worked with us for a few months, but we are not able to continue because we do not have that kind of funding,” he said, as quoted by PTI.He pushed back against speculation that the move was linked to recent electoral outcomes, calling such claims unfounded adding, “There is no such thing. Do not ask questions based on baseless reports. That is not true.”“This is not the reason for ending the agreement. We simply do not have enough funds. If you (the media) give us funds, we can hire another company,” the former Uttar Pradesh CM further clarified.I-PAC, a prominent political consultancy known for managing campaign strategies across India, has previously been associated with election strategist Prashant Kishor, who has worked with multiple parties, including the BJP and the Congress.Taking a swipe at the growing ecosystem of political consultancies, Yadav remarked that there is no shortage of firms offering campaign services, from survey agencies and social media managers to outfits specialising in negative campaigning. He added, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that more such companies could be brought on board if resources permitted, without naming them.This comes as reports had earlier swirled about uncertainty on the tie-up intensified after the Trinamool Congress’s electoral setback in West Bengal, where I-PAC has been handling campaign strategy since 2019.Sources had indicated that while I-PAC made a presentation to the SP leadership outlining a possible campaign blueprint, talks never progressed into a formal agreement. Party insiders had also suggested that Akhilesh Yadav was not fully convinced about bringing the consultancy on board, even as discussions were initiated at the instance of the TMC leadership.
