Mumbai, July 22: Poll strategist and Janata Dal (United) Vice President Prashant Kishor is reportedly helping Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray in making a poll strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. According to a report, Aaditya Thackeray is undertaking 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra', which will cover 4,000 km across the state, on Prashant Kishor's suggestion.

Kishor's I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) is said to be working for Shiv Sena's outreach ahead of the Assembly polls in Maharashtra. "The team which is targeting youth, women and senior citizens is trying to project Sena as their saviour," sources were quoted by TOI as saying. I-PAC team is comprised of over a hundred young professionals and students. Aaditya Thackeray Confident on Shiv Sena Having CM Post.

Kishor had met Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya in February. While the party said it was a courtesy visit by Kishor, TOI quoting a leader reported that the poll strategist had then suggested Aaditya go on a state-wide tour. "I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks," Aaditya had then tweeted. Prashant Kishor’s Organisation Has Nothing to Do with JD(U), Says KC Tyagi.

The official aim of Aaditya's 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' is to "thank" the voters for the support given to the party candidates in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, the unstated intention is to project Aaditya as future 'Chief Ministerial face' of Shiv Sena.

Kishor's I-PAC is said to be providing professional assistance to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as well for the 2021 Assembly polls. Kishor shot to fame in 2014 when he successfully handled the poll campaign of Narendra Modi. A year later, Kishor worked as a poll strategist for the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar comprising the JD(U), RJD and Congress. Kishor also oversaw Congress's poll campaign in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. His I-PAC also worked for Jagan Mohan Reddy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2019 10:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).