On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh met political strategist Prashant Kishor at Kapurthala House, the CM’s residence in Delhi. He met the strategist a day after meeting AICC chief Sonia Gandhi. In political circles in Punjab, the meeting has raised eyebrows and is stirring speculations.

Kishor had come to Punjab during the recent Assembly elections in a few states, including West Bengal. He was appointed principal adviser by the Amarinder. But, immediately after the results, PK had expressed his intentions to hang up his boots as a political strategist.

The camp of supporters of Amarinder Singh in Punjab was elated at the meeting. The meeting took place amid a power rivalry and political feud between Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu. The PK-Amarinder Singh meeting also came when a banner of revolt has been raised by several other party members.

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In Punjab Congress, grumbles and rumblings for a demand in change of leadership have also been reported in the recent past. A few leaders, considered close to Amarinder, said that Kishor’s “apparent interest in Punjab” was enough to give the CM’s camp a new lease of life after the party was hit by a “damaging” internal crisis.

Sources in Punjab Congress have said that the strategist was determined not to take up any assignment to strategize for any political leaders.

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A source close to Prashant Kishor said, “What if he has met the chief minister? The CM is personally known to him. He wanted to meet and Kishor was in Delhi. So, he met him.”

The source further added, “Kishor has publicly announced that he has quit this work he used to do. There is no change in his position.”

Earlier most of the MLAs in Punjab have been against signing up Kishor. But, the Chief Minister’s camp is now keen that he takes up assignment with Amarinder.

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A party leader who did not wish to be named, said, “Kishor is now more important in the game of perception. If he is seen with the CM, it gives out an impression that the CM is in saddle firmly, and the challenge by Sidhu does not mean anything.”

Sources said that Prashant Kishor has been calling up leaders in Punjab, stating that the situation in Punjab Congress was very confusing and he was not able to make out what to do. A leader said, “He has been calling up many ministers and saying he was not interested and would not come to the state.”