Popular political strategy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), led by Rishi Raj Singh, has wrapped up its operations in Andhra Pradesh after failing to bring the YSR Congress Party, headed by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, back to power in the recent assembly elections.
Following the electoral loss, I-PAC terminated over 300 employees. It maintained a skeletal staff at its Vijayawada office for some time, hoping to renew its contract with the YSRCP by leveraging connections with senior party leaders.
Jagan initially entertained discussions with them, but eventually realized that I-PAC could no longer serve his political interests.
He reportedly asked Rishi Raj and his team to leave. Consequently, the organization vacated its Tadepalli office and exited the state.
However, former employees who worked with I-PAC over the past five years and were abruptly terminated are now facing difficulties.
Many were shocked to find that the company is refusing to issue relieving letters or experience certificates, which are essential for securing new jobs.
According to one former employee, I-PAC included a clause in their appointment letters prohibiting them from working with any other competing political consultancy firm in India for two years post-resignation or termination.
“The firm is violating basic labor rights and denying professionals the freedom to work in their chosen field,” he said. “The clause states that even after leaving, we must not work with any of I-PAC’s current clients — or with any political party or leader in India who could potentially become their client.”
The organization has allegedly threatened legal action against those who violate these terms. Employees who refuse to sign this agreement are reportedly being denied their final month’s salary, pending dues, and experience certificates.
Many former employees are struggling due to these withheld documents and delayed settlements. Several had resigned to pursue better opportunities at firms like Showtime and Inclusive Minds, only to face roadblocks created by I-PAC’s policies.
Sources say that mass layoffs after the completion of political projects are common practice at I-PAC. Disillusioned former staff members question the fairness of such policies, asking, “Is it wrong to do honest work and make a living?”
There are even allegations that I-PAC is harassing current employees who attempt to assist former colleagues by referring them for new job opportunities—by withholding their own pay as a form of punishment.
Meanwhile, YSRCP party workers have accused I-PAC leadership of betraying the party’s trust. Now, former I-PAC employees echo the same sentiment, saying that after years of dedicated work, they were cast aside and are now being blocked from pursuing their careers—calling it nothing short of betrayal.
