Election strategist Prashant Kishor has asked to be relieved of his duties as principal advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. In a letter to Singh on Thursday, Kishor cited his decision to ‘take a break from active role in public life’ as the reason for the request. This, however, has further spurred  the buzz that the poll strategist was set to join the Congress.

“In view of my decision to take a temporary break from active role in public life, I’ve not been able to take over the responsibilities as your principal advisor. I request you to kindly relieve me from this responsibility,” Kishor said in the letter, according to ANI.

Singh had appointed Kishor as his principal adviser in March this year. He had broken the news on Twitter: “Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my principal advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab!” The appointment came months before the scheduled assembly elections in Punjab.

Kishor was reported to have played a key role in devising a peace formula in the Congress unit of Punjab. Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu had been at loggerheads for months and the party wanted to cap the issue to prevent any lasting damage just before the elections. Sidhu was appointed the PCC chief, a move Singh was not very happy about. The two have since made public appearances together, resolving to work together for the party. 

Kishor’s letter comes amid the buzz that he was joining the Congress. It is reported that he would join in a senior role and would report directly to the Congress president.

Kishor has had successes in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu elections earlier this year, where he worked with Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin, respectively. Soon after the results, Kishor had announced that he wanted to quit the election consultancy role.