Impact of I-PAC on Indian Politics

I-PAC, or Indian Political Action Committee, is a platform for students and young professionals to participate in and make meaningful contribution to political affairs and governance of the country, without necessarily being part of a political party . Started as Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAG) in 2013, I-PAC has worked with various visionary leaders with a proven track record, such as Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, Amarinder Singh, Jagan Mohan Reddy, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin.

I-PAC has been instrumental in shaping the political narrative and strategy of these leaders and their parties, using innovative methods of reaching out to the public and gathering mass support. Some of the notable campaigns that I-PAC has designed and executed are:

 

- Chai pe Charcha: A series of interactive sessions between Narendra Modi and citizens across India over a cup of tea during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections . This campaign helped Modi project himself as a leader who listens to the people and understands their issues.

- Captain de Nau Nukte: A list of nine promises made by Amarinder Singh to the people of Punjab during the 2017 Assembly elections . This campaign helped Amarinder Singh highlight his vision and commitment for the development of Punjab.

- Nava Ratnalu: A set of nine welfare schemes promised by Jagan Mohan Reddy to the people of Andhra Pradesh during the 2019 Assembly elections . This campaign helped Jagan Mohan Reddy win the trust and confidence of the people who were disillusioned with the previous government.

- Didi Ke Bolo: A campaign to enable direct communication between Mamata Banerjee and the citizens of West Bengal through phone calls and social media during the 2021 Assembly elections . This campaign helped Mamata Banerjee address the grievances and concerns of the people and counter the aggressive campaign by the BJP.

- Ondrinaivom Vaa: A campaign to mobilize volunteers to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu, led by M.K. Stalin during the 2021 Assembly elections . This campaign helped M.K. Stalin demonstrate his leadership and empathy during a crisis and contrast it with the perceived inefficiency and indifference of the AIADMK government.

 I-PAC has also launched the National Agenda Forum (NAF), a platform for citizens to set the agenda for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and choose their leader . This initiative aimed to revive the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India Movement and empower the citizens to shape the future of India.

 While I-PAC has been hailed as a game-changer and a pioneer in professional political campaigning in India, it has also faced criticism and controversy for some of its practices and impacts. Some of the allegations and challenges that I-PAC has encountered are:

 - Being accused of manipulating data and public opinion through surveys, social media campaigns and fake news . For instance, I-PAC was alleged to have fabricated a survey that showed Nitish Kumar as the most popular leader in Bihar ahead of the 2020 Assembly elections. I-PAC was also accused of spreading misinformation and propaganda against Mamata Banerjee's rivals in West Bengal through its digital platforms.

- Being questioned for its role in influencing policy making and governance, especially when it works with multiple parties across different states . Some critics have argued that I-PAC acts as a shadow cabinet or a parallel power centre that interferes with the elected government's decisions and priorities. Some have also raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest and lack of accountability when I-PAC works with rival parties in different states.

The impact of I-PAC on Indian politics is undeniable, as it has transformed the way elections are fought and won in the country. However, it also raises some ethical and democratic concerns about its influence on public opinion, policy making and governance. As I-PAC continues to work with different leaders and parties in future elections, it will have to balance its professional objectives with its social responsibilities.