April 26, 2022: Putting an end to all speculation, election strategist Prashant Kishor has declined Congress party’s offer to join the party as part of its "Empowered Action Group" meant to address the "political challenges" ahead of the 2024 national elections. Sources have indicated that the party refused to give him a free hand to rejuvenate the party.

"Following a presentation & discussions with Sh. Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestion given to party," senior party leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

Earlier this month, Kishor had met the Gandhi along with other senior Congress leaders. Some of the Congress leaders had also mentioned that Kishor had made presentations regarding re-organising the party and preparing for 2024. Speculation was rife that this time Kishor would be joining the party.

"I declined the generous offer of Congress to join the party as part of the EAG...In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership & collective will to fix the deep rooted structural problems through transformational reforms," Kishor tweeted.