Samajwadi Party drops planned I-PAC tie-up amid legal scrutiny and electoral losses

The Samajwadi Party has reportedly decided not to proceed with a proposed campaign-management arrangement with political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Although no formal agreement had been publicly announced, discussions regarding a possible collaboration had reportedly been underway for several months before being shelved by the party leadership.

According to party sources, the decision gained momentum after recent electoral defeats suffered by parties associated with I-PAC in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Sources indicated that the Samajwadi Party leadership preferred to rely on its internal organisational structure and political network instead of outsourcing campaign operations to an external consultancy firm. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was also reportedly unconvinced about finalising the arrangement despite presentations made by I-PAC representatives.

The proposed collaboration reportedly involved strategic work on constituencies where the Samajwadi Party had narrowly lost in previous elections. Sources stated that discussions did not move beyond the presentation stage and no official contract was signed. Party insiders also said the proposal had been suggested through political contacts linked to the Trinamool Congress.

The development came amid legal scrutiny involving I-PAC officials in West Bengal. Enforcement Directorate searches were conducted earlier this year at the consultancy’s Kolkata office and at the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain in connection with a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged coal smuggling case. I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel was also arrested in the matter before later securing regular bail from a Delhi court after the Enforcement Directorate did not oppose the plea.

According to sources within the Samajwadi Party, sections of the leadership became uneasy after the Enforcement Directorate action coincided with I-PAC representatives meeting party leaders in Lucknow regarding a possible electoral partnership. Sources stated that the combination of the legal investigation and recent electoral setbacks strengthened reservations within the party about associating closely with the consultancy firm. Neither the Samajwadi Party nor I-PAC has issued an official statement regarding the reported decision.