Poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday (5 August) quit as the Principal Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stating that he had decided to take a temporary break from active role in public life, reports News18.

“As you are aware, in view of my decision to take a temporary break from active role in public life, I have not been able to take over the responsibilities as your Principal Advisor. Since I am yet to decide on my future course of action, I write to request you to kindly relieve me from this responsibility. I take this opportunity to thank you for considering me for this position,” Kishor said, explaining his move which comes just ahead of the 2022 Punjab polls.

It should be noted that the move comes amid the buzz of Kishor formally joining the Congress. Reports had suggested that Gandhis and Kishor, during their talks, may have explored a formal role for the strategist in the party in the run up to the assembly elections in Punjab.

The political strategist was appointed as Principal Advisor to Punjab CM on March 1 with a token honorarium of Re 1 per month.

However, he was entitled to a fully-furnished government residence and camp office, executive class travel, official vehicle, medical facilities and secretarial staff as admissible to a cabinet minister.

His appointment was announced by Amarinder Singh himself on social media. He had said, "Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my principal advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of people of Punjab!"

With IANS Inputs