Political consultants are taking over Indian parties but critics say democracy pays the price

Published on 12 May 2026

Defeats are fueling fury over who really runs parties

Political consultants have moved from behind-the-scenes support to shaping Indian election campaigns end to end, including strategy, candidate selection, and outreach. Their rise is now provoking resentment within parties, with recent election defeats sharpening accusations that consultants are “hijacking” party structures and weakening grassroots ties—leaving leaders to question who truly controls democracy.

Consultants now influence strategy, candidates, and outreach in elections
Traditional party members resent their growing control
Election losses have intensified claims of “hijacking” parties
The shift is raising fears about weaker grassroots connections

#political consultants #democracy #elections #indian politics #party structure

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Political consultants are taking over Indian parties but critics say democracy pays the price

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