Mamata Banerjee’s Strategic Shift: From ‘Pack-Fac’ to ‘My I-PAC’—Decoding the Political Turnaround

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance on political consultancy firm I-PAC has undergone a noticeable shift within just two months. In December 2024, she reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the firm, dismissing it as “Pack-Fac.” However, by February 2025, she publicly referred to the organization as “My I-PAC,” urging her party members to collaborate with them. This sudden change has sparked discussions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and beyond.

From Criticism to Endorsement: What Changed?

In December 2024, reports from TMC sources indicated that during a parliamentary party meeting, Mamata Banerjee was highly critical of I-PAC’s operations, claiming that incorrect information was reaching her due to their involvement. She allegedly stated, “I don’t understand all these ‘Pack-Fac’ things.” This statement raised concerns about the future of I-PAC’s association with TMC, especially considering the firm’s significant role in the party’s electoral strategies in the 2021 and 2024 elections.

However, in February 2025, addressing a gathering at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Mamata took a U-turn, calling the consultancy firm “My I-PAC” and emphasizing that it was no longer associated with Prashant Kishor but had evolved into a new team. She urged party members to support the firm and refrain from negative remarks, indicating a strategic recalibration.

Political Strategy Behind Mamata’s Shift

Political analysts believe that Mamata’s change in stance is a calculated move rather than an impulsive decision. Some key factors influencing this shift include:

1. Electoral Dependence: The success of TMC in the 2021 and 2024 elections was largely attributed to I-PAC’s strategic groundwork. Mamata realized that disengaging from the firm just a year before the 2026 elections might weaken the party’s electoral machinery.
2. BJP’s Tactical Influence: In her speech, Mamata noted that the BJP had multiple agencies working for them, implying that TMC needed similar professional expertise to counteract their strategies effectively.
3. Ground-Level Surveys: The importance of data-driven electoral campaigns has grown significantly. Mamata acknowledged that identifying and rectifying voter list discrepancies required technical expertise that I-PAC could provide.
4. Internal Party Dynamics: Following Mamata’s initial criticism, senior TMC leaders like Madan Mitra and Kalyan Banerjee voiced their grievances against I-PAC. However, Mamata’s latest statement sends a clear message that she does not endorse these criticisms and values the firm’s role in the party’s campaign.
5. Administrative Pragmatism: Bringing in a new agency at this stage would be impractical, as they would take time to understand the state’s political landscape. The example of AAP’s failure to benefit from I-PAC in Delhi due to last-minute engagement reinforces the importance of long-term collaboration.

The Future of I-PAC in TMC’s Electoral Strategy

Despite Mamata’s recent endorsement, political insiders believe she has set clear boundaries for I-PAC’s involvement. While she recognizes the firm’s role in electoral management, she wants to ensure that it does not interfere in the party’s organizational matters. By emphasizing “ground surveys,” Mamata may have subtly drawn a ‘Lakshman Rekha’ for I-PAC’s role in TMC’s electoral strategy.

The upcoming 2026 elections will likely see a continued partnership between TMC and I-PAC, but with more defined roles and responsibilities. Mamata’s pragmatic approach suggests she aims to strike a balance—leveraging I-PAC’s expertise while maintaining the party’s internal autonomy.

Mamata Banerjee’s sudden shift from dismissing I-PAC to endorsing it as an integral part of her campaign reflects her political acumen. As West Bengal heads towards the 2026 assembly elections, this strategic turnaround highlights the evolving nature of political alliances and the growing importance of professional electoral management. Whether this move will secure a fourth consecutive victory for TMC remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly underscores the dynamic landscape of Indian politics.