Third eye: Ajit Pawar's plan, Yogi's prestige issue & relief for K'taka BJP

In Maharashtra, nearly 20 office-bearers from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have joined Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP, signaling a strategic pre-election move by Sharad Pawar. The choice of Pimpri-Chinchwad for this defection is significant as it is a stronghold of Ajit Pawar. More senior leaders from Ajit Pawar's camp, including MLAs and state ministers, are expected to follow. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi Adityanath is focusing on winning all 10 seats in the upcoming assembly by-elections following BJP's poor performance in recent polls. In Karnataka, the legislative council awaits a new Leader of the Opposition after BJP leader Kota Srinivas Poojary's election to Lok Sabha, with no resolution in sight.