Asim Munir's rise & Imran Khan's fall

The Bharatiya Janata Party has rolled out a multi-layered campaign blueprint across Uttar Pradesh focusing on ground machinery rather than relying solely on big rallies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to spearhead major regional rallies to build momentum, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah oversees district-level organizational strengthening. The party's plan targets weak polling booths, local unit consolidation, and grassroots mobilization to reach every community and polling booth. Dedicated outreach programmes have also been drawn up for backward classes, Dalit communities, first-time voters, and youth to take the campaign directly into Uttar Pradesh's neighbourhoods.

Following the killing of an anti-drug activist in Mansa district, the victim's father has stated that the family does not wish to meet a visiting opposition leader or members of that political family. The activist was shot dead on 13 October, leading to widespread outrage and demonstrations across the state. The father requested that political figures refrain from visiting the grieving household during this period of bereavement. The fatal attack has intensified public anger and sparked continuous protests in the region.

The political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh has intensified with sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. From Gonda, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister criticised the previous state government, alleging that the Samajwadi Party regime pushed the state into darkness, joblessness, hunger, and corruption, specifically citing a food grain scam. In response, the Samajwadi Party leadership targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party following an opposition rally in Delhi, asserting that the ruling party will face defeat in the state. The opposition stated that while voters offered a partial rejection in the parliamentary elections, the 2027 assembly elections will result in a complete departure for the ruling alliance.

Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology and submitted an undertaking to the Bombay High Court affirming that he will not participate in any protests. Khan, a United States citizen, was previously issued a leave India notice following his participation in an anti-CAA protest. The order directing him to leave the country had subsequently been put on pause. With the undertaking submitted to the court assuring no further involvement in agitations, Khan has received relief and can continue to stay in India for the time being.